EOIR extends postponement of preliminary hearings

Non-detained immigrants will have to wait longer to have preliminary hearings for their cases.

The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) announced the extension of the postponement of master calendar hearings in immigration courts across the country for individuals who have been detained in the U.S. for more than two years. not detained until May 29, 2020.*

Preliminary hearings for non-detainees had already been postponed. on several occasions.

EOIR previously indicated that they made this decision to avoid the congregation of large groups of people to avoid the possible spread of COVID-19.

EOIR will reschedule immigration hearings for all cases impacted by the measure and will inform immigrants or their authorized legal representatives in writing of new hearing dates.

EOIR will assess the status of the COVID-19 pandemic on a daily basis and will make decisions for each immigration cut-off as more information becomes available.

TIPS AND WARNINGS

Individuals with cases in immigration court must regularly monitor the EOIR website to learn about the operational status of the immigration courts in the United States.

They should also monitor the status of their immigration case by means of the online information system for immigration court cases or by calling 1-800-898-7180 (TDD 800-828-1120).

EOIR reported that case status and hearing date information cannot be updated for those cases postponed due to operational changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.. Upon issuance of a new immigration court hearing notice, such information will be updated.

EOIR's automated information systems do not replace the official written notices from the immigration court or the Board of Immigration Appeals delivered to immigrants or their authorized legal representatives. These documents remain the official documents related to an immigration case and must be complied with.

Please consult with a licensed and experienced immigration attorney for guidance on your immigration case in immigration court.

* 05/14/2020 - This information has been updated. At the time of publication of this notice, EOIR had extended the continuance of preliminary hearings in immigration courts across the country for individuals who have been detained in the U.S. for more than two years. not detained until May 15, 2020.