October 1st was the first day that the Arlington Immigration Court was shut down due to the Federal Government shutdown. That day, when I went to the Arlington Immigration Court, I discovered how everyone was trying to stay calm in the midst of being shut down. There were guards and staff at the front entrance who were turning away individuals and attorneys who did not have detained cases or who are not filing for detained cases.
The only Judge presiding over the detained cases is Judge Bryant. The only detained cases which are being heard are those that are requesting bond or those cases that are requesting a removal order or voluntary departure. No other types of detained hearings are going forward at this time.
Also, you will not be given a future hearing date; you will be told that a hearing notice will be sent to you in the mail. This is understandable because they are unaware of when the office will “reopen.”
In the midst of the shutdown, however, you are allowed to file for “detained” clients at the window, but for your “non-detained” clients you must mail your filings and they will be accepted. This is good news, because this means you don’t have to miss your filing deadlines. There are questions and uncertainty about clients who have the one year asylum filing deadline looming over their heads, because due to the shutdown, they are unable to file.
Disclaimer: Every legal matter is different. The outcome of each legal case depends upon many factors, including the facts of the case, and no attorney can guarantee a positive result in any particular case. Any testimonial or endorsement does not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
If you have questions about the ways in which the government shutdown could affect your immigration proceedings, contact our team at Fayad Law, P.C.
