Rights, in real situations
Immigration
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Immigration
Who can give me immigration legal advice?Background reading
Background reading
Use a licensed attorney or a representative accredited by the Department of Justice who works through a recognized organization.
Check the person’s credentials before paying. A person who only prepares forms cannot necessarily choose a legal strategy for you.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
Is a notario the same as an immigration lawyer?Background reading
Background reading
No. In the United States, being a notary or calling yourself a notario does not make someone an immigration attorney.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
Can someone guarantee my immigration case will be approved?Background reading
Background reading
Be cautious of anyone promising a guaranteed result or special access to immigration officials. Verify their credentials and the process through official sources before paying.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
My immigration hearing date is unclear. Where can I check it?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationA case in the US immigration court system, not a USCIS benefits application.
Use EOIR’s official case-information system, then compare it with your hearing notice. Court notices are the official source; an online result is not permission to miss a hearing.
What to do next
- Find your A-number on your court papers. Keep it private.
- Open EOIR’s case-information service and check your case.
- Compare the date, place and hearing method with the latest notice; resolve differences with the court.
What could change this answer?
- The system shows only some case information.
- A USCIS receipt-number search is a separate service.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
I moved while my immigration court case is pending. What do I file?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationA person with a pending immigration court case who needs to update contact information.
Submit Form EOIR-33/IC to your immigration court within five working days of a contact-information change. File a separate form for each person with an affected pending case.
What to do next
- Check which court currently handles the case.
- Complete EOIR-33/IC, including its signature and proof-of-service instructions for providing DHS a copy.
- Submit through Respondent Access or the form’s paper process; keep the filed copy and confirmation.
What could change this answer?
- A case before the Board of Immigration Appeals uses EOIR-33/BIA instead.
- Changing your address does not itself move the case to another court.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
My immigration helper is listed as “DHS only.” Can they represent me in immigration court?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationA non-lawyer offering services as a DOJ-accredited representative.
No. Partial accreditation covers DHS matters. A DOJ-accredited representative needs full accreditation to represent you before immigration court or the Board of Immigration Appeals.
What to do next
- Ask for the representative’s full name and organization.
- Use DOJ’s roster to check the accreditation and whether it is limited to DHS.
- For a court case, ask for a fully accredited representative or a licensed attorney.
What could change this answer?
- Accreditation is connected to work through a recognized nonprofit.
- A listed provider may charge a fee or have limited capacity.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
My immigration representative mishandled my court case. Where can I complain?Federal rule · specific setting
Federal rule · specific setting
For this situationProfessional misconduct by an attorney or accredited representative in EOIR proceedings.
For misconduct before EOIR, use Form EOIR-44 and its instructions to report an attorney or accredited representative. Include specific events and supporting copies.
What to do next
- Save the agreement, receipts, messages and relevant court notices.
- Write dates and what the representative did or failed to do.
- Use EOIR-44 and follow the current submission instructions. Keep a copy.
What could change this answer?
- Misconduct before USCIS has a separate DHS route.
- Disagreement with an outcome alone does not prove misconduct.
Links open the named service. REYETS does not send or file anything.
Federal rule. State or local protections may add to it. Legal review pending.
How can I organize my immigration paperwork?Background reading
Background reading
Start with notices and case numbers; the agency involved; dates and relevant documents.
Keep your own observations separate from what someone told you. These are preparation steps, not a finding about your rights or eligibility.
This is background information, not a state-specific answer. Legal review pending.
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These guides cover the situations they name. They are source-checked drafts, not a complete state law library or a lawyer’s review. County rules are not inferred from your state.
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