What is the consequence for an alien who fails to appear for an immigration hearing?

When an alien fails to appear for an immigration hearing, the typical consequence is an order of removal in absentia. This means that the immigration court will proceed with the hearing without the presence of the alien and, if the evidence supports it, will issue a removal order against them. This process is governed by U.S. immigration law, which allows the court to take this action if the individual does not appear after being properly notified of the hearing.

This consequence is significant because it underscores the importance of attending scheduled hearings and highlights the potential for immediate repercussions in immigration cases. If an alien is ordered removed in absentia, they may face challenges if they seek to return to the United States in the future, as such an order can have lasting legal effects on their immigration status.