Houston Immigration & Court Representation Lawyer
At Maranto Law Firm, we represent clients before Houston immigration courts in all types of proceedings, from deportation hearings to DACA proceedings, citizenship interviews, bonds, asylum, cancellation of deportation, waivers, permanent residency, and more. Attorney Rafael Maranto brings over 17 years of immigration law experience to every case, and as an immigrant himself, he understands the process from the inside in a way that shapes how we prepare and advocate for each client.
Houston’s immigration courts are adversarial proceedings. The government argues for removal; you argue why you should remain. Having a Houston immigration court attorney who has appeared before these courts and knows how EOIR proceedings unfold is a meaningful advantage for detained and non-detained clients alike.
We handle detained and non-detained cases before Houston immigration courts, including matters such as:
- Bonds
- Asylum
- Cancellation of deportation
- Waivers
- Permanent residency
- And more
We represent individuals before the Immigration Court and the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Talk to our Houston immigration and court representation attorney about your case. Contact us online or at (855) 961-0601. Hablamos español.
What Houston’s Immigration Courts Are & How They Work
The Immigration Court is a specialized administrative court system within the U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). It hears cases involving removal proceedings, asylum claims, and other forms of relief from removal. Immigration Court is separate from USCIS, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security. The two agencies handle different stages of the immigration process; a Notice to Appear issued by DHS is what formally initiates removal proceedings before an immigration judge.
How Houston Immigration Court Proceedings Work
Immigration judges evaluate each case based on the evidence presented and decide according to U.S. immigration law. A typical removal case begins with a master calendar hearing, where procedural matters are addressed, and may proceed to an individual merits hearing where evidence and testimony are presented. Missing a scheduled hearing after receiving a Notice to Appear can result in a removal order issued in absentia.
Houston has three active EOIR courts: the Jefferson Street Immigration Court, the South Gessner Road Immigration Court, and the Greenspoint Park Immigration Court. These proceedings are administrative rather than criminal, and no jury is involved. Because deportation is classified as a civil sanction, the Sixth Amendment right to appointed counsel doesn’t apply. Respondents who want legal representation must retain their own Houston immigration court lawyer. Immigration judges can grant forms of relief including asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, withholding of removal, and voluntary departure, depending on the facts of the case. Decisions may be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Board of Immigration Appeals
The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) is the highest administrative appellate body for U.S. immigration law, also operating within the EOIR under the Department of Justice. Its primary function is to review decisions made by immigration judges and certain decisions made by the Department of Homeland Security in immigration matters.
The BIA is composed of Board Members appointed by the Attorney General with knowledge of immigration law. Its decisions are binding on all DHS officers and immigration judges unless modified or overruled by the Attorney General or a federal court. A BIA appeal must be filed within 30 days of the immigration judge’s decision.
BIA review is a paper review of the existing record, including transcripts, documents, and briefs submitted by the parties. The Board doesn’t conduct new fact-finding or hear witness testimony; it considers questions of law, discretion, and judgment based on what is already in the record. In some cases, the BIA issues written precedent decisions that guide the interpretation of immigration law in future cases. If a party is dissatisfied with the BIA’s decision, they may appeal to a federal circuit court of appeals.
How We Represent Clients in Houston Immigration Court
Attorney Rafael Maranto guides clients through the laws and procedures governing their case, helps gather and prepare the documentation needed to support their position, and presents their case to the judge. With over 17 years of immigration law experience and his own firsthand immigration journey, he advises on the legal relief and defense strategies available given each client’s specific circumstances.
Immigration court proceedings turn on accurate paperwork, complete documentation, and strict deadlines. We make sure submissions follow the rules and that nothing is missed. We also prepare clients for what to expect at each stage, from the master calendar hearing through individual merits hearings and potential BIA appeals, including the types of questions an immigration judge and the government’s attorney are likely to ask.
We handle both detained and non-detained cases before Houston immigration courts. Flat fee services and flexible payment plans are available to make representation accessible, and we offer free initial consultations so you can speak with a Houston immigration court attorney before making any commitment. Rafael represents clients as an ally and advocate at every stage of the process, working toward a favorable outcome based on the facts of the case and the law.
Make an appointment today by calling (855) 961-0601.
