A Cuban migrant residing in Dallas, Texas, raised awareness on social media about the risks of attending US immigration courts without legal representation, after a judge issued her a deportation order during her second hearing.
In a video posted on TikTok, the woman explained that she attended the hearing held on May 5 alone and that, without a lawyer, the court ordered her deportation to Ecuador.
"Today I had my second hearing. I didn't have legal representation, and I was simply given an expulsion order to Ecuador," she recounted in the video.
According to what he said, during the same day he observed that other individuals who did have legal representation were given a new date to continue with their immigration processes.
"Those who had a lawyer were given another date for a third court hearing. Those who did not have a lawyer were simply issued an expulsion order," he stated.
The migrant also explained that, following the judge's decision, she has a period of 30 days to appeal the ruling or leave the country.
In his message to other immigrants facing similar processes, he emphasized the importance of seeking legal advice before appearing in court.
"My advice is to seek a lawyer and not go alone. That's what lawyers are for, to defend the case," he said.
The woman acknowledged that many individuals in irregular migration situations face financial difficulties in paying for legal assistance, but she warned that appearing without defense can increase the risk of receiving a deportation order.
"I know that many do not have the money or the economy is not doing well, but if you can, seek an attorney," he concluded.
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