Sudden Surprises: What You Need to Know About Immigration Court Cases Being Reopened

To ease court backlogs and focus government resources, past administrations often allowed immigration court proceedings to be closed against a person for a number of reasons, for instance when there was a lack of criminal history, and alternative pathways to a green card.

Most recently, DHS officials are filing Motions to Recalendar, reopening cases that haven’t seen court action in several years. Thousands of people are now receiving new hearing notices or discovering that old cases have been placed back on the court’s active docket.

This nationwide shift is part of a broader policy initiative by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to revive a significant portion of its backlog, affecting as many as 400,000 people. Many of those affected have no criminal history and have strong family or humanitarian ties to the U.S. Some have married, started businesses, or raised children here since their cases were closed.

If you or your family have received a notice in the mail or think you might possibly have a case recalendered, it’s helpful to understand what a Motion to Recalendar could mean.

What Is a Motion to Recalendar?

A Motion to Recalendar is a formal request submitted to immigration court asking the judge to reactivate a previously administratively closed case. When granted, the case is restored to the active calendar, and removal hearings will be scheduled.

How Do Motions to Recalendar Work?

When either DHS or an individual files a Motion to Recalendar, the submission typically includes details on why the case was previously closed, along with any related court orders and a justification for bringing it back before the court.

Immigration judges review these motions by weighing several factors: why the request is being made, how long the case has been dormant, whether the person pursued any relief outside of court, their detention status, and the merit of any pending immigration applications.

Once a motion is filed, the opposing side typically has 10 days to respond. If the judge grants the motion, the case is restored to the active calendar, and a Notice to Appear (NTA) or hearing notice is issued, signaling the formal restart of removal proceedings.

Why Are Old Immigration Cases Being Reopened Now?

For years, administrative closure offered a way to manage overloaded dockets by setting certain cases aside, especially where individuals were pursuing relief through other legal channels (e.g., visa petitions, adjustment of status, or asylum applications). While the cases weren’t “resolved,” they weren’t actively pursued either.

That changed in April 2025, when a memo from DHS leadership reversed prior guidance that had favored closure in appropriate cases. The new directive instructs OPLA attorneys to recalendar dormant proceedings, arguing that administrative closure contributed to an unmanageable court backlog.

What Does This Mean for Individuals with Closed Cases?

If your case is recalendared, you are once again in active removal proceedings. This means:

• Court hearings will resume.

• You must respond to notices and appear as scheduled.

• Missing a hearing can lead to a deportation order in absentia.

• Getting advice to an attorney as soon as possible is key.

What makes this situation even more difficult is that many people are not receiving timely notice of their court dates. Immigration courts typically send hearing notices to the last known address or to the attorney of record. But for cases closed more than a decade ago, that information is often outdated. People may have moved. Attorneys may have retired or changed practice areas, or their firms may no longer exist.

This combination of surprise court hearings and outdated contact information puts many people at risk of serious legal consequences without even knowing their case has been reopened.

What Should You Do If Your Case Is Reopened?

If you suspect your old immigration case may be active again or you’ve received a notice in the mail, taking the following steps immediately is essential:

1. Secure Legal Representation

Given how much time has passed, your previous attorney may no longer be practicing. Look for a removal defense attorney who understands the current legal climate and court practices. Ask whether they can assist with updating your address information and receive documents on your behalf.

2. Gather Your Records

Locate any documents related to your original case, such as administrative closure orders, past court filings, work permits, or immigration benefits filed while your case was dormant.

3. Track Deadlines Carefully

If DHS has filed a Motion to Recalendar, you may have just 10 days to respond. Missing a response window or court appearance can lead to a removal order.

4. Understand Your Options

Depending on your current situation, you may be eligible to oppose the motion, file for relief (such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status), or ask the court to terminate proceedings if your circumstances have substantially changed. Again, discussing this with an attorney is important to do early in the process.

5. Stay Informed, Stay Prepared

The decision to revive long-closed immigration cases is reshaping the legal landscape for thousands of individuals across the United States. While the shift may feel unexpected and unsettling, it’s important to know that options do exist. You do not have to navigate this process alone.

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