For many people in the immigration process, receiving a notice to appear in immigration court brings uncertainty and anxiety. One of the most common questions is whether showing up means you’re protected from deportation. The legal reality is more complex.

The first thing you need to know is that attending your hearing does NOT automatically protect you. Showing up demonstrates responsibility, but it does not guarantee approval. It simply keeps your case active—meaning the judge still has full authority to evaluate your situation based on the law, evidence, and legal arguments presented.
And it is crucial to understand this with complete clarity: NOT attending your hearing automatically results in a deportation order in absentia.

Being present in court does not eliminate the risk of deportation. If the judge determines that your case does not meet the legal requirements, they can issue a removal order. The key is not avoiding court—it’s arriving prepared.

Every case is different, and details like your immigration history, evidence, testimony, and legal preparation determine the outcome. Court is not a place for improvisation; it may define your future and your family’s stability.

At Benme Legal, we help clients understand their options, identify risks, and build a solid legal strategy for their hearing. Showing up is a responsibility. Preparing is protection.

Interview: https://www.instagram.com/p/DRk3FRJDHhM/