can't tell if i'm still in removal proceeding

[Afar]

Thank you very much, everybody.

5 years ago, I was denied green card through the lottery, because I couldn't beat the deadline. I was still doing my OPT then. I never bothered to show up at the immigration court; in fact, I changed my address and never informed USCIS, so i don't even know if they sent me a letter to show in court.

I just called the immigration court automated machine, and after entering all my info, the machine said, "THE IMMIGRATION JUDGE TERMINATED PROCEEDINGS ON YOUR CASE..." and it went on to give the location and date of the decision. I listened to the message several times to make sure I'm hearing it right, and it keeps repeating the same thing word for word, "THE IMMIGRATION JUDGE TERMINATED PROCEEDINGS ON YOUR CASE..."

How can the judge terminate my case in my absence? Can the automated machine be trusted? I can't afford a lawyer now, but is there any other way I can verify that what I'm hearing is right. And if the machine is right, does that mean that I can adjust my status without having to deal with any deportation order?

Thanks in advance

 

[Waz]

Immigration judge terminated proceedings on your case...

Thank you very much, everybody.

5 years ago, I was denied green card through the lottery, because I couldn't beat the deadline. I was still doing my OPT then. I never bothered to show up at the immigration court; in fact, I changed my address and never informed USCIS, so i don't even know if they sent me a letter to show in court.

I just called the immigration court automated machine, and after entering all my info, the machine said, "THE IMMIGRATION JUDGE TERMINATED PROCEEDINGS ON YOUR CASE..." and it went on to give the location and date of the decision. I listened to the message several times to make sure I'm hearing it right, and it keeps repeating the same thing word for word, "THE IMMIGRATION JUDGE TERMINATED PROCEEDINGS ON YOUR CASE..."

How can the judge terminate my case in my absence? Can the automated machine be trusted? I can't afford a lawyer now, but is there any other way I can verify that what I'm hearing is right. And if the machine is right, does that mean that I can adjust my status without having to deal with any deportation order?

Thanks in advance

Hi Afar,

The judge terminated your case because you did not show up for your hearing. This is totally different from the judge ruled on your case. They can not make a ruling on your immigration case without your presence. So, the machine is right, your case was terminated. You need to understand that if you don't have the correct papers, then you an illegal. You should contact the immigration and follow up on your case. Be careful coz you may just land in imigration jail if they think you are a flight risk due to your no show at the court those years back. Those records are still available. That's why I would insist you get an attorney, even if it means a pro-bono attorney to help you with your case.

Waz!