My Parents’ Case Was Closed by Judge. Why Did I Just Get Notice to Go to Court?
Claudia’s adult voice had the desperate tone of a little girl when she called Blandon Law. Although her parents’ court case was dismissed in 2021, in February 2026, her aunt – with whom her parents and she used to live when she was a child – received a deportation order IN CLAUDIA’S NAME. The immigration judge was deporting Claudia because she failed to appear at court. But neither Claudia, nor her parents, nor her aunt ever received a notice of any court hearing.
Why Don’t My Parents Have to Go to Court?
Family members are usually – but not always – grouped together during removal proceedings in immigration court. Children depend on their parents to hire a lawyer, talk to that lawyer, provide documents to the lawyer and the judge, and answer the judge’s questions. But, sometimes, children are not given the same treatment as their parents. In Claudia’s case, charges against her parents were dismissed years ago, but the charges against Claudia were administratively closed – meaning the case could be reopened. That’s what happened now.
How Can My Court Case Get Dismissed or Terminated?
Claudia hired Blandon Law attorneys to review the Immigration Court records for her family members and for herself. Our attorneys will plan to get her case dismissed or terminated, which can happen for different reasons. Sometimes the government attorney (ICE) asks the immigration judge to dismiss the case because the person now qualifies for legal status, like a green card or another form of relief. Other times, the immigration judge may terminate the case because the Notice to Appear (NTA) was not properly filed or had serious errors. A case can also end if the government decides not to move forward. But “dismissed” does not always mean “safe forever.” Even in the case of Claudia’s parents, the government can reopen the case again later.
Did Something Change in Immigration Policy?
Yes! Immigration court policy has changed several times since January 20, 2025, and those changes affect whether a case stays closed or is put back on the court calendar. Different administrations have used tools like prosecutorial discretion and administrative closure in different ways. Some cases that were once paused to reduce backlogs are now being re-scheduled for hearings. If you received a new court notice, it does not automatically mean you did something wrong. It may simply reflect a change in enforcement priorities or court procedure. The most important step is to become the adult the immigration court expects you to be: talk with your attorney and respond quickly to their requests for documents and information.
Given this administration’s hostile policies, some of which are illegal, you need the best lawyer you can afford. Blandon Law has been helping families for over 20 years. Call 954.385.0157 or request a chat through our website today to speak to an asylum immigration expert.
Also click “Ask an Attorney” if you have a question for a future blog.
#ImmigrationAttorney #CourtHearing #ImmigrationNews #LegalAdvice #ImmigrationRights #DeportationHelp #ImmigrationProcess #USImmigration #KnowTheLaw #BlandonLaw
All team members speak Spanish.
Disclaimer – These entries are based on real life events. Family member names, when used, are real. Client names are changed for privacy.
