Does Haque Legal handle immigration cases in Spanish?

Yes. Haque Legal provides immigration representation in English and Spanish, including consultations, document preparation, and hearing preparation with Spanish-speaking staff.

Immigration · Michigan

Immigration

Q: What is a Master Calendar hearing?

A Master Calendar hearing is a short procedural appearance in immigration court where the respondent pleads to the allegations and charges in the Notice to Appear, identifies what relief from removal will be sought, and receives filing deadlines and a future hearing date. It is not the trial — the Individual (merits) hearing is where testimony and evidence are presented.

Q: What happens if I miss my immigration court hearing?

Failing to appear generally results in an in absentia order of removal, and can bar eligibility for certain forms of relief for years. A motion to reopen may be available in limited circumstances such as lack of proper notice or exceptional circumstances, but deadlines are strict. Contact an attorney immediately.

Immigration law in 2026 is unforgiving — backlogs are long, deadlines are rigid, and small filing errors can derail a case for years. Haque Legal handles defensive asylum, removal defense, family-based petitions, marriage and fiancé visas, naturalization, and waivers before USCIS, the Detroit Immigration Court (EOIR), and federal court.

Principal Attorney Fahd Haque has been recognized by Super Lawyers® and named among America's Most Influential Lawyers.

Free, confidential consultations in English, Spanish, and Arabic. Call 248-996-9954.

¿Necesita un abogado de inmigración? Ofrecemos consultas gratuitas en español. Llámenos al 248-996-9954.

Immigration Practice Areas

Asylum ↗

Defensive asylum cases before the Detroit Immigration Court (EOIR).

Family-Based Green Card ↗

I-130 petitions for spouses, parents, children, and siblings.

Marriage Green Card ↗

Marriage-based adjustment of status, I-130/I-485, and consular processing.

Fiancé Visa (K-1) ↗

K-1 fiancé visa petitions and follow-on adjustment of status.

Removal Defense ↗

Detention, bond hearings, and full merits hearings in Detroit Immigration Court.

Citizenship & Naturalization ↗

N-400 naturalization, including cases with prior criminal history.

Work Authorization (EAD) ↗

Employment Authorization Documents, renewals, and category-specific eligibility.

Local knowledge, published

Know the court before you walk in

If you received a Notice to Appear, your case is heard at the Detroit Immigration Court — before one of eight immigration judges, opposite a government attorney whose job is to remove you from the United States.

The thing most people don't know: there is no court-appointed lawyer in immigration court. Unlike criminal court, no attorney is provided if you cannot afford one. The government is always represented. You will not be, unless you arrange it.

The Detroit Immigration Court Guide

A plain-English resource on the court where your case will actually be decided — researched from official EOIR records and updated as the court changes.

Every immigration judge currently sitting in Detroit
Master Calendar vs. Individual Hearing — what actually happens at each, and where cases are quietly lost
How a removal case moves, from Notice to Appear through decision and appeal
What to bring, security screening, parking, and what to do if you miss a hearing
Every address, phone number, and email — including the asylum EAD clock mailbox

Read the Full Court Guide →

The bench · July 2026

Detroit Immigration Judges

Christopher Cooper
Robert L. Gundlach
Katherine Hansen
Mark J. Jebson
Denise Kallas
Jill K. Krishnan
John E. Moriarty
Ian R. Simons

Assistant Chief Immigration Judge: Jonathan Owens. Cases are assigned by the court — you cannot choose your judge. Source: EOIR staff directory, U.S. Department of Justice, updated July 15, 2026.

Immigration Results

Past results don't guarantee future outcomes. They do show the kind of work we do, the kinds of cases we take, and the kinds of clients who trust us with the matters that change their lives.

Asylum granted before Detroit Immigration Court

Senegalese national.

K-1 fiancé visa approved in 6 months

Venezuelan national.

Removal defense — full hearing victory before Detroit EOIR

I-601A provisional unlawful presence waiver approved

Naturalization completed for client with prior DUI

All matters described are real cases handled by Haque Legal, PLC. Client identifying details have been omitted to protect confidentiality. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases.

Michigan immigration FAQ

Where is immigration court in Michigan?

Michigan's immigration court is the Detroit Immigration Court at 477 Michigan Avenue, Suite 440, Detroit, MI 48226 (313-226-2603). It is part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review within the Department of Justice — separate from USCIS and ICE, which are Homeland Security agencies. Read our full court guide →

Do I get a free lawyer in immigration court?

No. There is no government-appointed counsel in immigration proceedings. Unlike criminal court, no attorney is provided if you cannot afford one. The government is always represented by a DHS attorney whose role is to seek your removal.

What is a Master Calendar hearing?

A short procedural appearance where you plead to the allegations and charges in your Notice to Appear, identify what relief you'll seek, and receive filing deadlines and your next date. It isn't the trial — the Individual (merits) hearing is where testimony and evidence are presented. Cases are often quietly lost at the Master Calendar by conceding something that shouldn't be conceded or missing a deadline set that day.

What happens if I miss my hearing?

Failing to appear generally results in an in absentia removal order and can bar you from certain relief for years. A motion to reopen may be available in limited circumstances — lack of proper notice or exceptional circumstances — but deadlines are strict and short. Call an attorney the same day.

What's the difference between USCIS and immigration court?

USCIS processes applications — green cards, naturalization, work authorization. Immigration court decides whether a person can remain in the United States. They are separate agencies in separate departments, with separate filings, deadlines, and addresses. Filing with one does not notify the other.

¿Hablan español?

Sí. Ofrecemos consultas y representación en español — incluyendo preparación de documentos y preparación para audiencias con personal que habla español. Llámenos al 248-996-9954.

How long will my case take?

Longer than you expect. Immigration court dockets carry substantial backlogs nationally, and the gap between a first Master Calendar and an Individual Hearing is commonly measured in years — though scheduling shifts with policy changes. Use the wait: the strongest cases are built steadily, not assembled the month before trial.

Can you help if my case is already in progress?

Often, yes — including cases where a prior attorney has withdrawn or the client has been representing themselves. Bring your Notice to Appear, all hearing notices, and everything filed so far. The sooner in the case, the more options exist.