Frequently Asked Questions:
Why do I need an attorney?
This is a personal decision however, people usually hire an attorney because (1) they have been arrested or have had contact with immigration authorities, (2) they have previously lied to an immigration officer (or maybe didn’t tell the whole truth), (3) they have been deported or have a deportation order that hasn’t been executed (4) they entered the U.S. without status (5) they have a deadline and do not have the time to handle the case on their own or (6) they do not want the stress of not fully understanding the process and worrying that they have not properly filed the correct forms and evidence.
Can I change my attorney?
You can change your attorney at any time but be mindful of deadlines or court hearings when you decide to do so.
Should I send my original documents to immigration when I file my case?
You shouldn’t send original documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, passports, or naturalization certificates to immigration. You should only send copies. For criminal records such as police reports or court documents you can and should submit certified copies which you can obtain through the Clerk of Court. You should bring your original documents when you appear for your immigration interview so that the officer can compare them to the copies in the file.
Do I have to translate all non-English documents?
Usually yes. If you are filing your case with USCIS or the immigration court, you must translate all documents to English (and include a translator certification). If your case is with the National Visa Center, you do not have to translate your documents if they are in the language of the country where you will be consular processing (for example, if they are in Spanish and your appointment is in Mexico).
I just went to my biometrics (fingerprint) appointment – does this mean my case is approved or being reviewed?
Biometrics appointments are just to obtain an individual’s fingerprints and/or photograph. It does not mean the immigration service is going to approve the case. The biometrics appointment usually happens soon after the case is filed but sometimes can be much later.
Am I eligible for a driver’s license in Florida since I have a pending immigration case?
It depends on the kind of case you have pending. Florida also usually requires a passport as a form of ID along with two proofs of address.
How can I check when/where my next immigration court will be?
There are two ways to check when and where your immigration court will be. The first way is to call EOIR at 1-800-898-7180 (toll-free). This is an automated service. You can also check online using the Automatic Case Information system. Regardless of which method you use, you will need your alien number (A#) which can be found in your immigration court documents. The A# should be nine digits, if not, add a zero at the beginning of the number.
How can I change my address with the immigration court?
You are now able to change your address online with EOIR. The online form can be found in various languages such as Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Haitian Creole, and Punjabi.
How can I locate a family member detained by immigration?
If your family member is detained by ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) you can find them using the Online Detainee Locator System available online. The system will only populate exact matches so make sure you try different variations of the name, for example, if the name is John Smith Rodriguez try John Smith, John Smith Rodriguez, John Smith-Rodriguez, John Rodriguez, etc.