For many immigrants, receiving a Notice to Appear (NTA) in immigration court can be one of the most stressful moments of their lives. The NTA is the document that starts the deportation process. It assigns you a court and a hearing date, and from that moment forward, the government is formally seeking to remove you from the United States.

Unfortunately, many people facing deportation make critical mistakes that can jeopardize their future. Understanding the process and knowing what to avoid can mean the difference between being ordered deported and building a successful path toward permanent residence.

Below are the top three mistakes people in immigration court often make:

1. Waiting Until the Last Minute to Get Legal Help

One of the biggest misconceptions people have is that they can “wait and see” until their hearing date before finding an attorney. Immigration court cases often take one or two years before a first hearing is scheduled. That timeline gives a false sense of security — but in reality, you need to prepare from the moment you receive your NTA.

At your first hearing, you will be asked to respond to the government’s charges against you. This is a critical moment, because your attorney can challenge whether you are truly deportable and can begin exploring what immigration relief may be available to you. Relief options, such as applying for a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen, can take years to process. If you wait too long to start, you may not have the necessary applications, evidence, or approvals in time. A judge may deny your case and order your removal simply because you were unprepared.

2. Taking Advice from TikTok, YouTube, or Friends

Immigration law is one of the fastest-changing areas of law in the United States. Policies shift with every administration, regulations are updated, and court decisions change how laws are applied. While social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube are full of videos claiming to provide “immigration hacks,” relying on them can be extremely dangerous.

Similarly, well-meaning friends or family members who went through their own process may give advice that doesn’t apply to your specific case. Immigration law is not one-size-fits-all. Following the wrong advice can result in missed deadlines, ineligibility for relief, or even being detained and deported.

3. Trying to Navigate the Process Alone

Some people believe they can save money by representing themselves in immigration court. Unfortunately, the process is far too complicated and risky to go without professional guidance. Cases often take years to resolve, and mistakes are not always obvious until it’s too late. A missing document, an incorrect form, or a misunderstanding of eligibility rules could undermine your case after years of waiting.

Unlike other areas of law, immigration is unforgiving of errors. By the time you realize something went wrong, it is often too late to fix it. Having an experienced attorney by your side dramatically increases your chances of success, ensures your rights are protected, and helps you make informed decisions at every step.

The Bottom Line

If you are facing immigration court, remember: time is your greatest asset. Do not delay in finding legal representation, do not rely on unqualified advice, and do not attempt the process alone. Your future in the United States depends on building a strong, strategic defense from day one.

At Bilbao Law, LLC, we stand with immigrants in some of the most difficult moments of their lives. With preparation, the right strategy, and committed legal advocacy, you can turn fear into freedom.