What happens if I miss my immigration court hearing?

If you do not appear, the judge can issue a removal order against you without hearing your side. This is called an 'in absentia' order. It is very hard to undo. Always appear on your scheduled date, even if you do not have a lawyer yet.

Can I apply for asylum if I am already in removal proceedings?

Yes. You can apply for asylum (using Form I-589, which has no filing fee) even after removal proceedings have started. You would present your asylum claim before the immigration judge. Act quickly, because there are deadlines tied to your case schedule.

What is a bond hearing and do I qualify for one?

A bond hearing is a court session where a judge decides whether you can be released from ICE detention while your case continues. Not everyone qualifies — it depends on your immigration history and whether the government considers you a flight risk or a danger. An immigration lawyer can help you request one.

Does having a green card protect me from deportation?

A green card (permanent residency) gives you strong rights, but it does not make you immune to deportation. Certain criminal convictions or immigration violations can lead to removal proceedings even for green card holders. If you receive any court notice, consult an immigration attorney immediately.

Deportation Defense: Lopez-Lopez Case Explained

Deportation Defense: What the Lopez-Lopez Case Means for You

Aura Lopez-Lopez went to immigration court expecting a fair hearing — and ended up fighting a removal order that could separate her from her family in the US. Her case, Lopez-Lopez v. Todd Blanche, is now drawing national attention. For millions of immigrants facing removal proceedings, the outcome could matter deeply.

Yesterday·2 min read

What Is the Lopez-Lopez Case About?

Aura Lopez-Lopez is an immigrant who challenged her removal order in federal court. Her case, filed against Todd Blanche, questions whether the government followed proper legal procedures before moving to deport her. Cases like this one sit at the center of the ongoing debate over deportation defense and ICE arrest rights in the United States.

Removal proceedings — the legal process the government uses to deport someone — can begin after an ICE arrest, a visa overstay, or a denied asylum application. Once you receive a notice to appear in immigration court, you have the right to present your case before a judge. However, many immigrants do not know their rights or miss critical deadlines, which can lead to a deportation order issued without them even being in the room.

Why This Case Matters for Immigrants in 2026

The Lopez-Lopez case highlights a problem that immigration lawyers see every day: immigrants who face removal without fully understanding what is happening or what options they have. Whether you are an asylum seeker, a green card holder, or someone on a work permit, a removal order can affect your entire future in the US. Legal advocates say this case could influence how courts review deportation procedures going forward.

What to Do If You Are in Removal Proceedings

Do not miss your immigration court date. If you fail to appear, a judge can issue a removal order in your absence. Check your Notice to Appear (the document that starts removal proceedings) for your hearing date and location.
Contact an immigration lawyer as soon as possible. Many nonprofit organizations offer free or low-cost legal help for people in removal proceedings.
Gather all documents that support your right to stay — such as proof of family ties in the US, employment records, or evidence supporting an asylum claim. The asylum application (Form I-589) has no filing fee.
If you were arrested by ICE, you may have the right to a bond hearing. Ask your lawyer about requesting one so you can be released while your case is decided.