In Spring 2026, some immigration courts began holding status hearings where dozens of unrepresented individuals are scheduled to appear at the same time. These individuals may be given a deadline to fill out a form sometimes titled “Respondent’s Pleading Declaration.” Completing this form may result in an immigration judge finding that the person signing can be deported from the United States unless they apply for and are granted relief from removal.
This resource provides information about your rights if you receive a “pleading declaration.”
See pages 3 and 4 of the document for Spanish translation.