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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.
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Are you a Cuban entrant looking to make the United States your permanent home? You may be eligible to apply for a green card, which will allow you to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. In this blog post, we will discuss the process of obtaining a green card for Cuban entrants, including eligibility requirements and steps to apply. To be eligible for a green card as a Cuban entrant, you must meet certain criteria set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). One of the main requirements is that you must have been physically present in the U.S. for at least one year after being admitted as a refugee or asylum seeker. This means that you must have entered the country legally and maintained continuous presence since your arrival. Additionally, Cuban entrants seeking a green card must show that they are admissible to the United States. This involves passing background checks and medical examinations to ensure that you do not pose a threat to public safety or national security. If you have any criminal convictions or immigration violations, it may affect your eligibility for a green card. The next step in obtaining a green card as a Cuban entrant is to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Along with this form, you will need to submit supporting documentation such as proof of identity, employment authorization, and any other requested evidence. It is important to carefully follow all instructions provided by USCIS to avoid delays in processing your application. After submitting your application, you may be required to attend an interview with USCIS officials. During this interview, you will be asked questions about your background, reasons for seeking permanent residence, and any other relevant information. It is important to be honest and forthcoming during the interview to demonstrate your eligibility for a green card. Once your application has been approved, you will receive your green card in the mail within a few weeks. As a lawful permanent resident of the United States, you will have the right to live and work in the country indefinitely. You may also be eligible for benefits such as Social Security and Medicare, as well as opportunities for further education and career advancement. Obtaining a green card as a Cuban entrant can be a complex process, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, it is possible to achieve legal permanent residence in the United States. By meeting eligibility requirements, submitting an accurate application, attending interviews as required, and following all instructions provided by USCIS, you can successfully obtain your green card and build a brighter future in your new home country.