Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) Operational Status During Coronavirus Pandemic

How will COVID-19 affect my deportation case?

Due to COVID-19, the Atlanta Immigration courts have postponed all hearings for non-detained individuals that had been scheduled from now until May 15, 2020 for now.

How do I find out my new hearing date?

If you had a hearing scheduled during this window, it is important to understand the following: 

1. The court should send a letter with your new hearing date. However, do not just wait for the letter. Every three weeks, call the Immigration court system to see if you have been rescheduled to a new date. 

2. Instructions to check your Immigration court date: 

3. Dial 1-800-898-7180.

4. Press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish.

5. Enter only the numbers from your Alien Registration Number (A-number) – leave out the A. Your A-number will be either 8 or 9 numbers. If your A-number is only 8 numbers, enter a 0 first before the rest of your A-number. This number is located on your immigration documents. For example, you can find it on your last hearing notice, your employment authorization card, or your Notice to Appear (the first document issued to you when you were placed in immigration proceedings). 

6. The courts are currently still open for filings and for receiving applications and documents. If, at your last hearing, the Immigration Judge gave you a deadline for filing your documents or application for relief from deportation, you should comply with this deadline despite the delay in your hearing. Talk to an experienced immigration attorney to make sure your application is properly filed. If your documentation is not properly filed, this could result in a denial. Also, if you delay the filing of a court application, it can delay the work permit that is connected to your case.  

What Can I Do While I Wait?

Despite these postponements, it is important that you are prepared to proceed once the courts resume their normal processing. Take advantage of this time to prepare your application and collect all the documents your lawyer needs to have the strongest possible case. Talk to your lawyer about your case and what evidence and witnesses could help. Our attorneys are available via phone and video conference to guide you on your immigration case during these uncertain times. 

Speak with an Atlanta immigration lawyer

If you need immigration assistance, we’re open, flexible, and ready to help. Contact the Georgia immigration attorneys at Antonini & Cohen online or by calling 404-850-9394.