The recent hurricane has impacted many individuals nationwide, causing disruptions to everyday life, including important immigration-related matters. If you’re a USCIS applicant affected by the hurricane, we’re here to help guide you. If you missed an appointment, immigration court hearing, or deadline due to severe weather, there are steps you can take to address this with USCIS and the immigration courts.
Missed USCIS Appointments
If the hurricane caused you to miss a USCIS interview or biometrics appointment, don’t worry. USCIS offices that experienced office closures will automatically reschedule your appointment, so you can expect the notice in the mail soon.
If travel issues prevented you from attending your appointment, call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 to explain your situation and request rescheduling your appointment as soon as possible.
Missed Immigration Court Hearings
If you were unable to attend your immigration court hearing because the courts were closed due to the hurricane, the court will contact you with a new hearing date. You may also monitor your case status by calling 1-800-898-7180 or by using your A Number at https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/. It’s crucial to ensure that the immigration court has your correct address, so if you have not updated your address or are unsure if the one on file is correct, you can submit a change of address with EOIR.
If you were unable to travel, the court may have issued a decision in your absence, such as an order of deportation. In these cases, you should consult an immigration attorney to discuss the possibility of reopening your case.
Missed USCIS Deadlines
If the hurricane prevented you from meeting a USCIS deadline, there are options to correct this. USCIS allows for reconsideration of missed deadlines due to extraordinary circumstances, such as a natural disaster. To reopen your case, file Form I-290B (Notice of Appeal or Motion) and explain why you missed the deadline. USCIS is aware that hurricanes and other emergencies can impact applicants, and they will consider this when reviewing your case.
Stay Safe and Prioritize Your Case
Your safety and well-being come first. If the hurricane has impacted your immigration case, please contact Antonini & Cohen for assistance via our contact form or by calling (470) 428-3200.
We understand the challenges of dealing with USCIS and Immigration Court matters after a natural disaster. Our team is here to help you navigate this difficult time and ensure your immigration case stays on track.
At Antonini & Cohen, we know how.