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Houston Immigration Court
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The Houston Immigration Court is a civil administrative court that handles cases involving foreign nationals accused of violating immigration law, including removal proceedings, bond hearings, and asylum cases.
Located in downtown Houston at the Mickey Leland Federal Building, this court operates under the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), which is separate from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Because immigration proceedings are civil rather than criminal, the Sixth Amendment right to appointed counsel does not apply. However, individuals appearing before an immigration judge retain the right to hire their own attorney.
Studies consistently show that immigrants with legal representation achieve better outcomes than those without. If you have a case pending in Houston Immigration Court, contact our Houston immigration attorneys at Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law, to discuss your legal options.
The Houston Immigration Court adjudicates cases involving foreign nationals who may have violated federal immigration law, such as alleged unlawful entry into the United States. Immigration judges preside over these proceedings and have the authority to review government evidence, hear testimony, and issue rulings that determine whether an individual may remain in the country.
Typical case types include:
The Houston Immigration Court currently operates at the Mickey Leland Federal Building:
Mickey Leland Federal Building 1919 Smith Street, 14th Floor Houston, TX 77002
The court previously held hearings at 1801 Smith Street (Continental Center II), but that location ceased holding hearings as of February 28, 2022. Parties with cases originally assigned to that address will receive hearing notices with updated location information.
Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (closed on federal holidays)
Contact: The court accepts telephone inquiries. Fax submissions are deleted without review.
Missing a scheduled immigration court hearing can result in serious consequences. If you fail to appear after receiving a Notice to Appear, the immigration judge may issue a removal order in absentia. This means you could be arrested and deported at any time without further notice or opportunity to present a defense.
Removal orders issued in absentia are extremely difficult to reopen. Courts require demonstrating exceptional circumstances, such as a lack of proper notice or circumstances beyond your control, to reconsider these cases. Attending all scheduled hearings is crucial to maintaining your eligibility for relief.
The Houston Immigration Court is situated in a federal building with security protocols that all visitors must adhere to. When arriving for a hearing:
The government may refuse entry to individuals who do not comply with security procedures. Speak with a Houston immigration attorney before your hearing to confirm current requirements.
Individuals appearing before the Houston Immigration Court have specific legal rights, including:
Right to legal representation – You may hire an attorney or represent yourself. The court does not provide public defenders for immigration proceedings.
Right to an interpreter – If English is not your native language, you may request interpreter services to ensure you understand all proceedings.
Right to review evidence – You may examine any evidence the government presents against you and challenge its validity. You may also present evidence in your own defense.
Right to appeal – If you receive an unfavorable decision, you may appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals within the required timeframe.
Understanding these rights before your hearing helps you participate meaningfully in proceedings and protect your interests.
Anyone with a pending case must promptly notify the Houston Immigration Court of any changes to their address. Failure to update your contact information can result in missed notices, including hearing dates and filing deadlines. Failing to receive these communications may result in removal orders being issued in your absence.
To properly notify the court, submit Form EOIR-33 to both the immigration court and the Department of Homeland Security. Maintaining accurate contact information is essential for receiving official correspondence and attending all scheduled hearings.
If an immigration judge issues an unfavorable decision, several options may be available:
Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) – Most appeals are filed with the BIA, which reviews the judge’s ruling for legal errors. Strict deadlines apply, typically 30 days from the date of the decision.
Motions to reopen – If new evidence emerges or circumstances change, you may file a motion asking the court to reconsider your case.
Motions to reconsider – These motions argue that the judge made an error based on the existing record.
Federal court review – If the BIA denies relief, further judicial review may be available through the federal circuit courts.
Each option involves specific procedural requirements and deadlines. Missing a filing deadline can permanently waive your right to appeal.
Several resources are available for individuals with cases before the Houston Immigration Court:
These resources can help you understand your rights and the court process, though they do not replace individualized legal advice.
Navigating immigration court proceedings without legal representation significantly reduces your chances of a favorable outcome. At Andrew T. Thomas, Attorneys at Law, our immigration attorneys handle removal proceedings, appeals, asylum cases, bond hearings, and other matters before the Houston Immigration Court.
We are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, providing legal services tailored to each client’s unique circumstances. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
