Amid the growing immigration uncertainty that thousands of people are experiencing in the United States, a common and costly mistake is putting many in a situation of extreme risk, which is failing to appear at their immigration court hearings.
Every day, hundreds of migrants face legal processes where their presence before an immigration judge is crucial to determining their future in the country. However, the lack of information, fear, or poor advice leads some to miss their appointments, mistakenly believing that this will help them avoid negative consequences. The reality is quite the opposite.
What happens if you don't attend your immigration appointment?
The immigration law is clear, if an applicant fails to attend their scheduled hearing, the judge can automatically issue a deportation order in absentia (in absentia). This means that, without hearing your arguments or considering your case, your immediate expulsion from the United States is ordered.
"If you do not attend your appointment, you will automatically be issued a deportation order," explained the specialized journalist Mario Pentón during a live broadcast.
An exemplary case is that of Cynthia Medrano, known as "La Cintumbare," who missed her immigration appointment and ended up being deported to Cuba.
"She had a court date and did not attend; when you miss your court appearance, you automatically receive a deportation order," emphasized Pentón.
Medrano confessed in a recent interview that he had "accelerated his deportation" to avoid spending years in prison in the United States, although his testimony has been called into question, as according to official procedures, his deportation was due to his failure to appear in court and the acceptance of his repatriation by the Cuban government.
Myths that jeopardize your immigration status
Many migrants mistakenly believe that:
- Not attending will protect you from being arrested in court.
- If they hide, their case will "disappear."
- Misbehaving during detention will expedite your deportation.
These myths are not only false but also dangerous. Missing a hearing worsens your legal situation, eliminates chances of defense, and can close future doors for regularizing your status.
Referring again to the case of La Cintumbare, she stated that she adopted disruptive behavior at all times to expedite her deportation. "It is not true that acting out will get you deported faster. That is a complete falsehood.", warned Mario Pentón to his followers.
The importance of legal advice
In case of any doubts, it is vital to seek advice from a qualified immigration lawyer. A professional can:
- Request date changes if there are valid reasons.
- Prepare for the hearing.
- Defend your case before the judge.
If you are unable to attend due to compelling reasons, you must formally notify and provide evidence. Ignoring a summons without prior communication with the court or your lawyer is a decision that could seal your deportation.
Among the practical advice provided by lawyers are to always attend hearings, constantly check the date and time of your appointment, as they may change. Additionally, update your address in the immigration system to receive notifications, and consult a lawyer with any questions or unexpected situations.
"Just today, a lady asked me if she should go to her court hearing, and I clearly told her, if you don’t go, you’ll get into trouble and be deported," Pentón shared as an example.
In the current immigration landscape, where the processes are becoming increasingly strict and opportunities for regularization are limited, every hearing matters. Failing to appear in immigration court can mean losing everything.
The information and responsibility are the best tools a migrant has to protect their future in the United States. As Mario Pentón states: "You should go to court. Don’t make the mistake of failing to attend, because the consequences are serious and automatic."
Current context of immigration policy in the United States
Since the beginning of his second term in January 2025, President Donald Trump has implemented a series of measures that have radically transformed immigration policy. Among them are:
The end of Humanitarian Parole, a program that allowed the temporary entry of citizens from Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Haiti, which was canceled through Executive Order 14165. Although a judge in Boston temporarily halted the measure, the government has appealed, and the case is expected to reach the Supreme Court.
Additionally, under "Operation Safeguard," deportations have been intensified, focusing particularly on sanctuary cities and individuals with criminal records.
The use of the Foreign Enemies Act has been applied in this legislation to deport Venezuelan immigrants accused of belonging to criminal organizations.
There is also an impact on international students. Although visas were initially canceled, after several lawsuits, many were reinstated, although ICE retains the authority to revoke permits.
Similarly, deterrence campaigns have been launched, with multimillion-dollar efforts to discourage illegal immigration, including arrests in places like Guantánamo.
This context has significantly hardened the conditions for migrants, raising the importance of strictly adhering to all legal requirements, including court appearances.
Frequently Asked Questions about Deportation and the La Cintumbare Case
What happens if you miss an immigration appointment in the United States?
Failing to attend an immigration appointment may result in an automatic deportation order. If an applicant does not appear for their scheduled hearing, the judge may issue an order of deportation in absentia, meaning the person will be deported without their arguments or situation being considered.
Why was La Cintumbare deported from the United States?
La Cintumbare was deported for failing to attend multiple immigration hearings. Her absence resulted in a deportation order in absentia. Although she attempted to reopen her case, her request was denied and she was finally deported to Cuba in February 2025.
What are the risks of ignoring an immigration court summons?
Ignoring a summons can seal your deportation. Not only is an automatic deportation order issued, but opportunities for defense are also lost and doors to regularize immigration status in the future are closed.
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