Master Calendar Hearings
The initial hearing is known as the Master Calendar hearing. If it is an individual’s first Master Calendar hearing and s/he is not represented by an attorney, s/he in most cases may request a continuance in order to obtain an attorney for representation.
The Master Calendar hearing is a preliminary hearing where the judge reads the allegations against the individual and asks him/her to admit or deny the allegations. The immigration judge also advises the individual of his/her obligation to inform the court of any change of address within five (5) business days and warns the individual that a failure to appear at any scheduled hearings will result in an order of removal.
During the Master Calendar hearing, the individual and his/her attorney also advise the immigration judge of any forms of relief from removal that they intend to seek. The immigration judge sets a deadline by which they must submit any applications for relief from removal as well as any supporting documentation. The immigration judge also sets a date for the final individual merits hearing. It is very important to meet any deadlines set by the immigration judge. Otherwise, the immigration judge may deny an individual’s request for relief from removal.
An attorney representing the government is also present at the Master Calendar hearing. The attorney for the government may oppose the request for relief from removal. In this case, the individual and his/her attorney will need to convince the judge that s/he should be allowed to go forward with his/her applications for relief from removal.