26/08/2026
🚨 Thinking about going to Immigration Court alone and hiring an attorney later? You need to know about this new BIA decision.
Can you represent yourself in immigration court? Yes. 👍🏼
Can you appear without an attorney and simply expect the Immigration Judge to give you more time to find one?
Not necessarily. 😬
ATTORNEY GALINDO EXPLAINS…
On August 14, 2026, the Board of Immigration Appeals issued Matter of A-K-R-, 29 I&N Dec. 839 (BIA 2026), an important decision affecting respondents who ask for additional time to obtain an immigration attorney.
The BIA held that the 10-day waiting period before the first hearing is the statutory time requirement designed to give a respondent an opportunity to secure counsel. After that, an Immigration Judge is not automatically required to continue your case simply because you still haven’t hired an attorney. Additional time requires good cause, and the decision ultimately rests with the Immigration Judge.
⚖️ Translation: Don’t walk into Miami Immigration Court assuming, “It’s only my first hearing. I’ll find a lawyer later.”
Your Master Calendar Hearing matters. What happens there can affect the direction of your removal proceedings, your pleadings, your potential defenses, and the relief you may ultimately seek.
If you’ve received a Notice to Appear or already have an Immigration Court hearing scheduled, don’t wait until the last minute to seek legal advice.
📲 Contact the Law Office of Liza R. Galindo, P.A. to discuss your immigration case and possible defenses.
📍 Miami Immigration Attorney
📞 305-888-STAY (7829)
🌐 lizagalindo.com
