What is the difference between USCIS, ICE, and Immigration Court?

USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services)

USCIS is the federal government agency under the U.S Department of Homeland Security that oversees lawful immigration to the United States. It is responsible for handling immigration and naturalization processes in the United States. Services include:

• Processing of visa applications, green cards (Permanent Resident Cards), and citizenship applications.
• Conducting interviews and biometric appointments.
• Issuing employment authorization documents (EADs) and travel documents.

Individuals usually only have an appointment when they have applied for immigration relief. If you apply for Asylum or an Employment Authorization Document, you will have to get fingerprints taken at the USCIS office where you live or is closest to you.

• Phone: 1-800-375-5283 (National Customer Service Center)
• Website: uscis.gov

ICE (United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

ICE is a federal enforcement agency under the U.S Department of Homeland Security that enforces immigration laws within the United States. ICE conducts investigations, detains individuals pending immigration proceedings, and removes individuals that are unlawfully present.

• Recent arrivals and others with immigration court cases might need to check in regularly with ICE as part of their immigration process. Frequency of check ins is specified by ICE and may vary based on individual cases.
• Address and employment changes need to be reported to ICE if you are subject to reporting requirements.

ICE Field office is in Manhattan, ICE ERO is located at

26 Federal Plaza 9^th Floor
Phone Number 212-436-9300
Website is ice.gov

Immigration Court

Immigration court is part of the U.S Department of Justice and handles removal proceedings and other immigration matters. Judges decide on cases, including asylum applications and other forms of relief. Hearings are held to determine immigration status, asylum claims, and other immigration related matters.

• Individuals who are apprehended at the border and who entered the U.S without permission will usually be placed in removal proceedings in Immigration Court
• Individuals who have cases in Immigration Court must attend all scheduled hearings; missing a hearing can result in a deportation order
• Seek legal representation when possible

The Automated Case Information System (https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/) allows individuals to check the status of their immigration court cases online. An A-number or Alien Registration Number is required to access information about your case, such as hearing dates, times, locations, case outcomes, and other relevant information. An A-number is assigned to non-citizens by USCIS, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or other agencies. You may locate your A-number on these documents:

• Notice to Appear
• Green Card (Permanent Resident Card)
• Employment Authorization Card (EAD)
• Receipt Notices and Approval Notices (Form I-797)

Location:

26 Federal Plaza, 12^th Floor, Room 1237
Phone: 212-263-1590
Website: justice.gov/eoir/new-york-federal-plaza-immigration-court

How do I know if I have a case with USCIS, ICE, or Immigration Court?

USCIS

• You will only have a case with USCIS when you file an application or petition with USCIS. After you have applied you will receive Form I-797 which is a receipt notice. This receipt notice includes your receipt number, which can be used to check your case status online at egov.uscis.gov

ICE

• If you were detained by ICE, you would likely have paperwork about your detention, release on bond, or supervised release. You will have documentation and appointment schedules provided by ICE if you are required to check in with ICE.
• Individuals on orders of supervision or released from detention need to check in with ICE.

Immigration Court

• Individuals will know if they have a case with immigration court if they have an NTA (Notice to Appear) or received case information online. If you are in removal proceedings, you would have received an NTA, this describes the charges against you and any scheduled immigration court hearings.
• EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review) will send hearing notices if you have had or are scheduled for hearings in court.
• You can check your case status with the EOIR using the Automated Case Information System (https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/

For free legal help, call Legal Services NYC at 917-661-4500 Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about our intake process here.

* The information does not constitute legal advice. You should always consult an attorney regarding your matter. Legal help subject to capacity and location.