Atlanta Immigration Court: What to Expect, Where to Go, and How It Works

If you or a family member has an immigration case in Atlanta, you’ll most likely be dealing with the Atlanta Immigration Court. Understanding where it is, how it works, and what to expect can make a stressful situation more manageable.

Below is a clear, Atlanta-focused guide to help you navigate the basics.

Where Is the Atlanta Immigration Court?

There are currently two main immigration court locations serving the Atlanta area. Always check your hearing notice (Notice of Hearing or Notice to Appear) to confirm which one applies to your case, because addresses and room numbers can change.

1. Atlanta Immigration Court – Ted Turner Drive (Downtown)

Address (commonly used main location):
Atlanta Immigration Court
180 Ted Turner Drive SW, Suite 241
Atlanta, GA 30303

This location is in downtown Atlanta, near major landmarks and public transit.

Nearby transit and parking tips:

• MARTA Rail:
  • Closest stations are often Garnett (South Line) and Five Points (main hub). From there, you can typically walk a few blocks.
• Parking:
  • There are usually private parking garages and surface lots around downtown. Rates can be high during business hours, so bring a payment card or cash as needed and allow extra time.
• Traffic:
  • Morning rush hour into downtown Atlanta can be heavy. Many people plan to arrive 30–60 minutes early to allow for traffic, parking, and courthouse security.

2. Atlanta – Stewart Immigration Court (Detained Cases)

There is also an immigration court associated with Stewart Detention Center in southwest Georgia, often handling detained cases for people picked up in the Atlanta region.

Common location:

Atlanta – Stewart Immigration Court
146 CCA Road
Lumpkin, GA 31815

While this court is not in the Atlanta city limits, people who live in Atlanta may have family members or cases assigned here if they are detained.

What Does the Atlanta Immigration Court Do?

The Atlanta Immigration Court is part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). It handles many types of immigration proceedings, including:

• Removal (deportation) proceedings
• Bond hearings for detained immigrants
• Asylum and other protection claims
• Adjustment of status in certain court-based cases
• Requests for cancellation of removal
• Requests for voluntary departure
• Other forms of humanitarian or discretionary relief the court is authorized to consider

The court’s main job is to decide whether a person is removable from the United States and, if so, whether they qualify for any legal relief that would allow them to stay.

How to Find Your Hearing Date, Time, and Location

If you live in Atlanta and have a case, never rely on memory alone for your hearing details. Use these steps:

1. Check Your Paperwork

Look for:

• Notice to Appear (NTA) – Lists the charges and initial hearing info.
• Notice of Hearing – Shows updated date, time, and courtroom.

Make sure you keep copies in a safe place and bring them to every hearing.

2. Use the EOIR Automated Case Information System

You can usually:

• Call the EOIR automated phone system (a national hotline)
• Or use the EOIR online case information system

You’ll need your A-number (Alien Registration Number), which typically starts with “A” followed by 8 or 9 digits (for example, A123-456-789). Your A-number appears on your immigration charging documents.

Through these tools you can often check:

• Next hearing date and time
• Court location
• Case status (for many, but not all, types of cases)

If you cannot access these tools, you can call the court clerk’s office directly and ask for instructions on how to verify a hearing date.

Contacting the Atlanta Immigration Court

Because phone numbers can change, it is safest to get the current phone and fax numbers from:

• Your hearing notice
• Signage at the court
• The EOIR main information resources

When calling:

• Have your full name, A-number, and any case documents in front of you.
• Be prepared for wait times, especially in the mornings.
• Staff usually cannot give legal advice, but they may confirm procedural information like dates, locations, and filing guidelines.

Typical Types of Hearings in Atlanta Immigration Court

Cases in Atlanta generally move through several stages. The exact path depends on your situation, but these are common types of hearings:

1. Master Calendar Hearing (MCH)

This is usually your first hearing.

• Often brief, sometimes just a few minutes.
• Multiple people may be scheduled for the same time slot.
• The judge confirms:
  • Your identity and address
  • Whether you received the Notice to Appear
  • Whether you admit or deny the allegations and charges
  • Whether you are seeking relief from removal (for example, asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status)
• If you don’t have a lawyer yet, you may ask for more time to find one.

⚠️ Important: Even if you do not have a lawyer, you must still attend your master hearing unless a judge or official notice changes it.

2. Individual (Merits) Hearing

This is your full trial-like hearing where you present your case:

• You (and your lawyer, if you have one) may offer testimony, documents, and witnesses.
• The government attorney may question you.
• The judge may issue a decision at the end or later in writing.

Individual hearings in Atlanta can be scheduled months or years after the first master hearing, depending on the court’s calendar.

3. Bond Hearing (for Detained Immigrants)

If someone is being held in immigration custody and there is a possibility of bond:

• A bond hearing can be requested.
• The judge decides whether to set a bond amount and, if so, how much.
• Evidence of community ties, family, work history, and lack of danger or flight risk is usually crucial.

Bond hearings may be held at detention facilities, such as at Stewart, but can involve families and supporters from the Atlanta area.

What to Bring to Atlanta Immigration Court

Being prepared can reduce stress on the day of your hearing. Common items people bring include:

• Hearing notice and any recent immigration letters
• Valid photo ID (if you have one)
• Copies of all documents previously filed with the court
• Any new evidence the judge allowed you to submit
• Interpreter arrangements confirmation, if applicable (in many cases, the court provides interpreters, but this depends on language and case type)
• Legal representative’s information (if you have an attorney or accredited representative)
• Pen and paper to take notes

Check security rules similar to other courthouses:

• Some items, such as weapons, sharp objects, or certain electronics, may be restricted.
• Plan ahead to pass through security screening.

Dress, Behavior, and Courtroom Etiquette

The Atlanta Immigration Court is a formal setting. How you present yourself can affect how smoothly things go:

• Dress neatly – Business-casual is usually appropriate (for example, collared shirt, slacks, modest dress).
• Arrive early – Aim for at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
• Turn your phone to silent before entering the courtroom.
• Speak clearly and respectfully to the judge, often addressed as “Your Honor.”
• Do not interrupt the judge or other speakers; wait until you are asked to respond.

Interpreters and Language Access

Many immigrants in Atlanta do not speak English fluently. Immigration courts, including Atlanta’s, typically:

• Provide interpreters for many commonly spoken languages during hearings.
• Use telephonic or video interpreters if in-person ones are not available.

Points to keep in mind:

• If you need an interpreter, that need should be clear from your paperwork or brought up at your earliest hearing.
• If you feel the interpreter is not accurately translating, respectfully tell the judge.

Filing Documents with the Atlanta Immigration Court

If you live in Atlanta and need to submit documents for your case, they usually must be filed with the correct immigration court location.

Common filings include:

• Applications for relief (e.g., asylum, cancellation, waivers)
• Motions (for example, to change venue, reopen, or continue a case)
• Evidence (statements, records, photos, expert letters)

Key practical tips:

• Use your full name and A-number on every page.
• Pay attention to deadlines the judge sets for submitting evidence.
• Many filings must be served on the government attorney as well as filed with the court.
• Some documents must be mailed; others may be hand-delivered. Check the latest instructions from the court clerk or on official forms.

If You Can’t Make Your Hearing in Atlanta

Missing a hearing in immigration court is extremely serious. It often leads to an in absentia removal order (a deportation order issued when you are not there).

If you live in or near Atlanta and think you cannot attend:

1. Act quickly.
   Contact your lawyer right away if you have one.

2. Consider filing a motion to continue (reschedule):

   • Explain the reason (for example, severe illness, emergency).
   • Provide proof if possible (e.g., medical note, accident report).
   • This motion usually needs to be filed before the hearing.

3. If you miss a hearing due to a serious problem:

   • A lawyer may help you file a motion to reopen to ask the judge to cancel the in absentia order, but this can be difficult and time-sensitive.

⚠️ Do not assume that a phone call alone will excuse you. Formal filings are often required.

Legal Help and Representation in Atlanta

The immigration system is complex. Many people in Atlanta seek help from:

• Private immigration attorneys based in downtown, Midtown, and across the metro area
• Nonprofit legal organizations that work with immigrants, asylum seekers, and low-income residents
• Law school clinics that may take certain cases under supervision

Common steps to find help:

• Ask trusted community centers, faith organizations, or immigrant support groups for referrals.
• When contacting a lawyer or organization:
  • Have your A-number ready.
  • Bring or send copies of your Notice to Appear and any hearing notices.
  • Ask what fees or eligibility criteria apply.

Many people in Atlanta try to find low-cost or pro bono (free) assistance, but availability can be limited, so starting early is important.

Atlanta-Specific Practical Tips

Living in or traveling to Atlanta creates some unique factors when dealing with immigration court:

• Traffic & Transit:

  • Downtown streets can be congested around I-75/85 and I-20.
  • Consider using MARTA from areas like Decatur, Doraville, North Springs, College Park, or Sandy Springs to avoid parking issues.

• Weather:

  • Heavy rain or occasional winter storms can cause delays. Judges generally do not excuse no-shows due to normal bad weather, so plan extra travel time.

• Language Communities:

  • Atlanta has large Spanish-speaking communities as well as significant Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, and other language communities.
  • Community organizations in areas like Buford Highway, Clarkston, and Gwinnett County often have informal resources and referrals for immigration-related support.

• Remote Appearances:

  • In some situations, courts may allow telephonic or video appearances, especially for lawyers or certain procedural matters.
  • This is not guaranteed and usually must be specifically requested and approved.

Simple Reference: Key Atlanta Immigration Court Basics

Immigration court in Atlanta can be intimidating, but knowing where to go, what will happen, and how to stay on top of your case can make a real difference. Always read your hearing notices carefully, keep your contact information updated with the court, and seek competent legal guidance if at all possible.