Houston Immigration Court
About Houston Immigration Court
Located in downtown Houston, the nine-judge Houston Immigration Court is entrusted with the task of dealing with immigration cases involving non-detainees. The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), which is responsible for the adjudication of all immigration cases in the country, oversees this court through the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge. Thus, the Houston Immigration Court comes under the jurisdiction of the justice department. If you are part of any proceeding at this Texas court, you need to be represented by a Houston immigration lawyer.
The EOIR and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are two different agencies. While the former is under the US Department of Justice, the latter is part of the US Department of Homeland Security. While the USCIS looks after the naturalization and immigration systems, the EOIR takes care of the removal proceedings. The USCIS arrests non-citizens for violating immigration rules and places them before courts under the EOIR for trial and judicial proceeding. Often immigrants have difficulties in finding the appropriate jurisdiction, as functions of both agencies seem to be overlapping. Consult with an expert Houston immigration attorney about the appropriate agency to approach, if you want to seek asylum, defend your removal, or apply for naturalization in Texas.
Location and Address
Houston Immigration Court
Continental Center II
1801 Smith Street, 9th Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 718-3870
The Houston Immigration Court is positioned at the intersection between Smith Street and Jefferson Street in the eastern Central Business District of the city. Its precise location is the southeast end of the Federal Building. To inquire about procedures at the court, better to consult a professional Houston immigration lawyer than making frequent court visits.
The Structure
One of the 58 immigration courts nationwide, the Houston Immigration Court works under the supervision of the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge, who reports to the director of the EOIR, an agency under the control of the US Department of Justice.
An appeal against a judgment delivered by a judge of the court goes to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) in Falls Church, Virginia. The board, in most cases, avoids courtroom proceedings in favor of a “paper review” to make a decision on appeals. So, it is important that you select the best immigration lawyer in Houston to prepare your defense.
As of November 2018, there are nine judges at the Houston Immigration Court. They are:
- Richard A. Jamadar
- Gary E. Endelman
- Clarease R. Yates
- Monique Harris
- Nimmo Bhagat
- Stephanie E. Gorman
- Marcos Gemoets
- Chris A. Brisack
- Georgina M. Picos
Jurisdiction and Responsibility
The Houston Immigration Court decides immigration cases related to non-detainee foreigners in its area of jurisdiction. Its judges take up cases of foreign citizens accused of violating US immigration laws by the USCIS.
The Department of Homeland Security identifies foreigners staying in the country in breach of immigration regulations and begins the process of their removal from the United States. Judges at the Houston Immigration Court take the final call through trial if the removal of the person is allowed or he or she is granted relief against deportation order and permitted to stay. Right from the cancellation of deportation to asylum, judges at the court have the power to preside over.
Hours of Operation
- From 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
- From 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday
No filing between 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Where To Get Information
Phone: (713) 718-3870 (7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m)
Contact Zavala Texas Law (832) 819-3723 to speak with a team of experienced immigration lawyers.
Attorney for the Houston Immigration Court
The USCIS is very strict on the enforcement of immigration laws. It is always advised that you avoid anything that may violate these rules. The experienced Houston immigration lawyers at Zavala Law help their clients any way that is possible. We also put up an effective defense for those facing removal proceedings. Our lawyers regularly appear for clients seeking relief at the Houston Immigration Court.
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Contact Zavala Texas Law (832) 819-3723 if you need a reliable immigration attorney in Houston.