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Got Immigration Court Paperwork? Here’s What to Do Next — NYC’s Free Legal Help, Explained

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Receiving immigration court paperwork is one of the most frightening experiences an immigrant family can face. Here’s exactly what the documents mean, what to do immediately, and where to get free legal help in New York City in 2026.

If you or someone in your family has received a Notice to Appear (NTA), a hearing notice, or any document from the U.S. Department of Justice or Immigration Court, the most important thing you can do right now is get legal help — and in New York City, that help is free.

This is not a moment to wait. Court dates move forward with or without you, and missing an immigration court hearing can result in an automatic order of removal. But the good news is that New York City has invested more than $120 million in free immigrant legal services, and there are multiple ways to connect with a lawyer quickly — including today.

This is general information, not legal advice. Immigration law changes frequently. Contact an immigration attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Who This Helps

Immigrant New Yorkers who have received court paperwork or a notice from immigration authorities; families of people who have been detained or received a court date; anyone who has TPS, DACA, or parole status and is uncertain about their current legal standing; and anyone who wants to know their rights before they need them.

Understanding the Paperwork: What You May Have Received

Immigration paperwork can be confusing, but most of what people receive falls into a few categories:

  • Notice to Appear (NTA): This is the document that starts immigration court proceedings. It lists the charges against you and will eventually include your hearing date. Receiving an NTA does not mean you will be deported — it means you have a case before an immigration judge.
  • Notice of Hearing: This tells you when and where your hearing is. You must appear. If you miss it, a judge can issue an order of removal in your absence.
  • Order of Removal or Deportation Order: This is a final order. If you receive this, contact a lawyer immediately — there may still be options, but time is critical.
  • Work Permit (EAD) renewal notice: Immigration courts and USCIS are separate. A renewal notice from USCIS about your work authorization is different from court paperwork. However, if you have TPS, DACA, or parole status, be aware that rules have changed significantly in 2026 — see below.

The 2026 Landscape: Key Status Updates

The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) maintains a dedicated page tracking current federal immigration policy changes. As of the most recent update (February 2026), here is what New Yorkers with certain immigration statuses need to know:

  • Haitian TPS holders: A federal judge temporarily blocked the termination of TPS for Haiti on February 2, 2026. Haitian TPS holders continue to have their work permits and deportation protections until further notice. The case is still in litigation. MOIA’s Haitian Response Initiative provides dedicated legal support for Haitian community members.
  • Ethiopian TPS holders: A federal judge has also issued a stay blocking the end of TPS for Ethiopia. Ethiopian TPS protections remain valid pending further court proceedings.
  • Burmese TPS holders: A federal court in Illinois blocked the termination of TPS for Burma on January 23, 2026. Burmese TPS is currently still valid, but the case is active in the courts.
  • Work permit validity: On December 4, 2025, USCIS issued a policy shortening certain work permit validity periods from five years to 18 months or 1 year for initial and renewal permits. If your work permit is expiring, renew early and get legal guidance.
  • Asylum applications: USCIS placed a hold on all pending asylum applications in December 2025, regardless of nationality, pending a review. If you have a pending asylum case, consult an attorney about your status.

Immigration Court 101: What Happens at Your Hearing

MOIA has published an updated Immigration Court 101 guide for 2026, available in more than 40 languages. Here’s a summary of what to expect:

Master Calendar Hearing (first hearing): This is a short, administrative hearing — typically 10 to 15 minutes — where the judge confirms your identity, explains the charges, and asks whether you have a lawyer. If you don’t have a lawyer yet, you can ask the judge for more time to find one. You should always try to appear with legal representation.

Individual (Merits) Hearing: This is the full hearing where you present your case, witnesses testify, and the judge decides. Having a lawyer dramatically improves your chances of a positive outcome.

Appeals: If you receive an unfavorable decision, you may be able to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Your lawyer can advise you on this. An appeal does not automatically stop removal.

Free Legal Help in New York City: Where to Call Today

MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline

The fastest first call for any immigrant New Yorker with an immigration question. Free, confidential, and available in your preferred language.

Rapid Response Legal Collaborative (RRLC)

For people who have been detained, are at imminent risk of detention, or are facing fast-track removal. This program provides emergency legal assistance.

  • Access through the MOIA hotline: 800-354-0365
  • Eligibility: NYC residents in removal proceedings who have not been convicted of a serious crime

The Legal Aid Society

Provides urgent legal services for immigration cases including family reunification, deportation defense, and obtaining lawful status.

Legal Services NYC

Free immigration legal help including asylum, deportation defense, U visas, TPS, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), and public benefits.

Immigrant Rights Workshops (IRWs)

MOIA funds free community workshops covering how to navigate ICE interactions, how to avoid fraudulent legal services (notarios), and how to access city services. Partner organizations include the Arab American Family Support Center, Mixteca, Korean Community Services, Lutheran Social Services of New York, and others across all five boroughs.

If ICE Comes to Your Door: Know Your Rights

Regardless of immigration status, all New Yorkers have constitutional rights. MOIA has Know Your Rights materials available at 4,000 LinkNYC kiosks across the city, and the information is available in multiple languages.

  • You have the right to remain silent
  • You do not have to open the door unless ICE has a judicial warrant signed by a judge (an administrative warrant from DHS is different — you do not have to open the door for this)
  • You have the right to speak with a lawyer before answering questions
  • Do not sign any documents without consulting a lawyer

Full Know Your Rights resources: nyc.gov/site/immigrants/legal-resources/know-your-rights.page

Beware of Immigration Fraud (Notarios)

Only a licensed attorney or accredited representative can provide legal immigration advice. Notarios and unauthorized immigration consultants cannot represent you in court and can cause serious harm to your case. If someone promises to “fix your papers” without being a licensed attorney, do not pay them. Report immigration fraud to the NYS Attorney General at 800-771-7755 or call 311.

How to Take Action: Step by Step

  1. If you received court paperwork today: Call the MOIA hotline at 800-354-0365 right now — or call 311 and say “Immigration Legal”
  2. Write down your hearing date and location from your Notice of Hearing and do not miss it
  3. Download the 2026 Immigration Court 101 guide in your language at this MOIA link
  4. Check your TPS or DACA status at uscis.gov and consult an attorney if anything has changed
  5. Attend a free Know Your Rights workshop at a community organization near you — call 800-354-0365 for locations

Also see our guide: NYC immigration updates: sanctuary protections, ICE courthouse ruling, and free legal help.

Immigration law changes frequently. This article reflects information publicly available as of June 1, 2026, based on the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, USCIS, and the Legal Aid Society. Verify current rules with a licensed immigration attorney.

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