About the Dallas Immigration Court
The Dallas Immigration Court is a vital part of the U.S. justice system, operating under the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge, which itself is a component of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). EOIR falls under the umbrella of the Department of Justice, highlighting the court’s role in federal legal proceedings. This court is responsible for adjudicating immigration cases within its jurisdiction, ensuring due process under immigration law.
Contacting the Court at 1100 Commerce Street
For anyone needing to interact with the Dallas Immigration Court, knowing the precise contact information is essential. The court is located at 1100 Commerce Street in Dallas, Texas. Below are the key contact details:
Address and Hours of Operation
The physical address for the Dallas Immigration Court is:
1100 Commerce Street, Suite 1060
Dallas, TX 75242
This address is the primary point of contact for in-person visits and mail correspondence.
The court maintains the following operating hours:
- Public Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Window Filing Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
These hours are for general public access and for submitting documents at the court’s filing window. It is crucial to note the slight difference between public hours and window filing hours if you plan to file documents in person.
Phone and Electronic Communication
For phone inquiries, the Dallas Immigration Court can be reached at:
214-767-1814
This number is for general inquiries and procedural questions.
Important Notice Regarding Electronic Submissions: The Dallas Immigration Court has specific policies regarding electronic submissions. Unless court staff or an immigration judge explicitly requests an electronic transmission, the court does not accept faxes or other electronic submissions. Unauthorized electronic transmissions will not be considered part of the official record and will be discarded without notification. Always confirm with the court before attempting to send documents electronically.
Directions, Parking, and Public Transit to 1100 Commerce Street
Reaching 1100 Commerce Street is straightforward whether you are driving or using public transportation in Dallas.
Public Transportation: The Dallas Court’s location at 1100 Commerce Street is conveniently accessible via Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). The building is within walking distance of both the Akard and West End train stops on the DART Rail System, as well as the DART Bus System. This makes public transit a viable and convenient option for reaching the court.
Parking: Parking near 1100 Commerce Street is available, though it can be limited. Metered street parking can be found on the south side of the building. Additionally, there are several paid parking lots situated on the south and west sides of the Earle Cabell Federal Building, where the court is located. Plan accordingly, especially during peak hours, to allow sufficient time for parking.
Building Access and Security at the Earle Cabell Federal Building
The Dallas Immigration Court is situated within the Earle Cabell Federal Building at 1100 Commerce Street. Entering the building requires adherence to security protocols. Both north and south entrances of the building are equipped with magnetometers and x-ray machines. All visitors and employees must undergo security screening at these checkpoints before gaining entry. Be sure to factor in time for security procedures when planning your visit to 1100 Commerce Street.
Key Personnel at the Dallas Immigration Court
Understanding the leadership structure can be helpful when navigating the court system. Key personnel at the Dallas Immigration Court include:
- Assistant Chief Immigration Judge: Tara Naselow-Nahas
- Court Administrator: Barbara Baker
These individuals play crucial roles in the administration and judicial oversight of the Dallas Immigration Court. For specific administrative inquiries, contacting the Court Administrator’s office may be appropriate.
Asylum EAD Clock Correction Requests: For individuals with cases at the Dallas Immigration Court needing to request corrections to their Asylum Employment Authorization Document (EAD) clock, a dedicated email address is available: [email protected].
When submitting a request, ensure you include:
- Applicant’s Full Name
- Applicant’s A-Number (Alien Registration Number)
- The specific Immigration Court with jurisdiction (Dallas)
- Detailed case history and rationale for the clock adjustment request, including the believed correct time remaining on the clock.
Important Note: This email address is exclusively for Asylum EAD Clock requests. The court will not respond to any other types of inquiries sent to this mailbox.
Immigration Judges at Dallas
The Dallas Immigration Court is staffed by a team of experienced Immigration Judges who preside over cases. As of the last update, these include:
- Anthony Brown
- Xiomara Davis-Gumbs
- Charissa Dvorak
- Sarah M. Ellison-Hernandez
- Cait Irwin
- James A. Nugent
- Richard R. Ozmun
- Deitrich H. Sims
- Christopher J. Thielemann
- Jennifer A. Winfield
This roster of judges ensures the court can manage its caseload effectively.
Backup Assistant Chief Immigration Judge: Jeffrey S. Miller
Immigration Court Procedures and Resources
Navigating immigration court procedures can be complex. The EOIR Policy Manual is an invaluable resource for understanding the rules and procedures governing practice before immigration courts. It provides detailed guidance for legal representatives and individuals involved in immigration proceedings.
Helpful Links and Information for Navigating the Dallas Immigration Court
For broader information related to immigration services and enforcement, it’s important to understand the distinction between EOIR and other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are separate from EOIR and handle different aspects of immigration.
Media and Congressional Inquiries: News media or congressional inquiries related to the Dallas Immigration Court or any immigration court should be directed to the EOIR Communications and Legislative Affairs Division (CLAD):
Communications and Legislative Affairs Division
5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 1800
Falls Church, VA 22041
703-305-0289
[email protected]
Court Closures and Holidays: The Dallas Immigration Court operates Monday through Friday, except on federal holidays. A list of federal holidays is available from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Unforeseen closures due to emergencies or inclement weather may occur. For up-to-date information on court closures or changes in operating hours, refer to the EOIR’s official Twitter (https://twitter.com/DOJ_EOIR) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/doj.eoir/) accounts.
eRegistry for Legal Representatives: Attorneys and accredited representatives must register with EOIR’s eRegistry system to represent clients in immigration court. Details on this process can be found at eRegistry Validation Process.
Self-Help Resources: The EOIR Office of Legal Access Programs offers self-help materials with valuable information for respondents, including guidance on address changes and missed hearings.
Beware of Notarios: Be cautious of immigration fraud. Notarios often misrepresent their legal abilities. They are not authorized to provide legal representation in immigration court. Seek qualified legal counsel for immigration matters.
Appeals Process: Decisions from the Dallas Immigration Court can be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Information on filing appeals, including Form EOIR-26, is available at E-26 and appeal instructions. The BIA website provides comprehensive details on appeals procedures.
Virtual Law Library: The EOIR Virtual Law Library (VLL) is a rich source of legal resources, including country conditions research and other reference materials relevant to immigration law.
Observing Court Hearings: Immigration court proceedings are generally open to the public. Guidelines for observing hearings, including rules of conduct and instances where hearings may be closed, are outlined at Observing Immigration Court Hearings. Note that electronic devices, including recording equipment and cameras, are prohibited in courtrooms.
Conclusion
The Dallas Immigration Court, located at 1100 Commerce Street, plays a critical role in the immigration process. This guide provides essential information for contacting the court, understanding its procedures, and accessing helpful resources. Whether you are an attorney, respondent, or simply seeking information, understanding these details is your first step in navigating the Dallas Immigration Court system effectively.
