Master Calendar Hearing

A Master Calendar Hearing is a preliminary court meeting in deportation or removal proceedings where an immigration judge reviews a person's case. During this hearing, the judge confirms the individual's identity, discusses the reasons for their removal, and determines the next steps in the process. The individual can also state their defenses, such as applying for relief from deportation. These hearings are generally shorter and serve to organize the case for potential future hearings, like a full individual hearing, where more detailed arguments will be presented.