Before You Sign: What These Forms Usually Mean

In the first days of detention, people are sometimes asked to sign paperwork quickly.
Some documents are routine. Others can permanently affect immigration status.

This page explains the most common forms people are asked to sign and what to do before signing.

Official case lookup: EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review) hotline: 1-800-898-7180
EOIR online case system: https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/

Attorney search: AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association): https://www.ailalawyer.com/
EOIR Pro Bono legal service providers: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers

Step 1 — Identify the exact document

Ask for a copy and look for:

• Form name
• Form number (usually in upper corner)
• Title at top of page

Common documents include:

1. Form I‑826 — Notice of Rights and Request for Disposition

This form asks whether the person:

Wants to request a hearing before an immigration judge, OR
Accepts removal without a hearing

This choice is important. Requesting a hearing usually keeps the case in court.

2. Form I‑860 — Notice and Order of Expedited Removal

This may be used in certain border or entry cases.
It can allow removal without full immigration court proceedings.

3. Form I‑862 — Notice to Appear (NTA)

This document starts removal proceedings in immigration court.
It usually lists:

Allegations
Charges
Court location (sometimes added later)

If you receive an I‑862, check case status with EOIR: https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/

4. Voluntary Departure paperwork

This allows a person to agree to leave the U.S. voluntarily instead of receiving a formal removal order.
It can still carry future immigration consequences.

Step 2 — Confirm whether there is already a court case

Call EOIR: 1-800-898-7180

Have the A-number ready.

Or check online: https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/

Write down: • Court location
• Hearing date
• Case status

Step 3 — Check language and understanding

Before signing anything:

• Was an interpreter provided?
• Does the person understand what the document says?
• Were they told they have no options?

If language is a barrier, the person can request an interpreter.

Step 4 — Seek qualified review

Before signing documents related to removal, expedited removal, or voluntary departure, contact:

AILA lawyer search: https://www.ailalawyer.com/

EOIR Pro Bono list: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/list-pro-bono-legal-service-providers

Provide: • A-number
• Facility name
• Copy of document (if available)
• Timeline of events

Step 5 — If something was already signed

Do not assume it cannot be reviewed.

Immediately:

• Obtain a copy of the signed form
• Write down date/time and circumstances
• Contact an immigration attorney or nonprofit provider
• Check EOIR case status

Step 6 — Consular contact (for non‑U.S. citizens)

Individuals may request contact with their consulate.

Official U.S. State Department guidance: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/consularnotification.html

This page is informational only and does not replace advice from a licensed immigration attorney.