What Happens at an Immigration Master Calendar Hearing in New Orleans?

By Donald J. Melancon, Attorney at Law

If you have received a Notice to Appear (NTA) and a hearing date at the New Orleans Immigration Court, your first appearance will usually be a master calendar hearing. Understanding what this hearing is — and what it is not — can lower the stress of an intimidating process. This article explains the basics in general terms; it is not legal advice about your specific case.

What a master calendar hearing is

A master calendar hearing is a short, preliminary hearing before an immigration judge. Think of it as a scheduling and “pleadings” hearing rather than the hearing where your case is decided. Many people are scheduled for the same time slot, so you may wait while the judge works through the docket. Your individual hearing — where the merits of any application for relief are actually heard — comes later and is set aside specifically for your case.

What typically happens

At a master calendar hearing, the judge generally addresses several housekeeping matters:

• Confirming your identity and address. Keep your address current with the court; notices are sent there.
• Reviewing the Notice to Appear. The government’s NTA lists the charges of removability. You (or your attorney) will respond to the allegations — admitting or denying them — and either concede or contest removability.
• Identifying relief. If you may be eligible for relief from removal (for example, asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, or voluntary departure), this is where you tell the court what relief you intend to seek. Eligibility depends on the specific facts of each case.
• Setting deadlines and the next date. The judge will typically set filing deadlines and schedule your individual (merits) hearing.

How to prepare

• Arrive early and allow time for courthouse security.
• Bring your paperwork — your NTA, any prior court notices, and identification.
• Request an interpreter in advance if you are more comfortable in a language other than English; the court can provide one.
• Keep copies of everything you file or receive.
• Do not miss the hearing. Failing to appear can result in an order of removal entered in your absence.

Remote and internet-based hearings

Some hearings may be conducted by video or internet-based platforms rather than in person. Whether that option is available depends on the court’s current procedures and the judge assigned to your case. If appearing remotely would help you, it is worth asking the court — through a proper written request — whether an internet-based hearing can be arranged.

Why having a lawyer matters

Removal proceedings are civil, which means the court does not appoint a free attorney the way a criminal court would. You have the right to be represented at your own expense. An attorney can review the NTA, advise whether to admit or deny the allegations, identify forms of relief you may qualify for, meet the court’s deadlines, and prepare the evidence and testimony for your individual hearing. The right strategy is highly fact-specific, which is why a consultation about your particular situation is valuable.

For purposes of compliance with the Louisiana Rules of Professional Conduct, the attorney responsible for this content is Donald J. Melancon (105 Field Street, Belle Chasse, Louisiana 70037).