Liudmila Marcelo, an Immigration attorney, has issued an urgent advisory for those scheduled for hearings at Miami's Immigration Courts: if your appointment is at 8 or 8:30 in the morning, aim to be there by six or six-thirty to avoid being late and encountering long lines.
In a conversation with Tania Costa, Marcelo recounted arriving at a Miami hearing at 7:30 AM only to find the multi-story parking garage completely occupied. "The line of people stretched all the way to a nearby hotel, it's unbelievable how many people there are," she described.
A judge from the court confirmed the extent of the backlog. "Yesterday, for instance, was terrible; the courtroom was packed with people, almost overflowing because of these large 'master hearings' being conducted, and the court simply can't keep up."
During another hearing that day, the same judge told several attorneys, "We'll wait for your client, as I assume they're stuck in the line outside."
Preparing for Court Amid Overwhelming Backlogs
Marcelo's warning is clear: "If your court time is at 8 or 8:30 AM, don't plan on arriving at 7:30. You need to aim to be there by 6 or 6:30 AM, or you'll face an unbearably long line and risk not making it into the courtroom on time."
The congestion is due to an unprecedented overload. As of July 27, 2026, TRAC data reveals Miami-Dade's court has 137,373 pending cases, the highest of any immigration court in the nation. Nationally, the backlog exceeds 3.1 million active cases.
The routine use of "mega master hearings" — sessions with 100 or more cases scheduled simultaneously — aims to address this delay but results in extreme crowding and the real risk of missed hearings leading to deportation orders in absentia.
Changes to Court Procedures and Green Card Rules
The situation is set to worsen beginning September 8, when Miami's court will eliminate virtual hearings via WebEx, transitioning entirely to in-person sessions for both Master and Individual hearings.
In the same program, Marcelo clarified a common misunderstanding about the new green card rules effective September 18: Cubans under the Cuban Adjustment Act are not impacted by the new public charge assessment. "For the public charge, they are not affected. Asylees, refugees, and a long list of individuals, including VAWA beneficiaries and those under the Cuban Adjustment Act, are not impacted," Marcelo specified.
However, a significant change demands attention: the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will release a new edition of Form I-485 effective September 18. "Submitting the form with a date prior to September 18 risks having it returned entirely," Marcelo warned.
An exception applies to Cubans petitioned by a citizen relative or those petitioning a relative as citizens. "Some Cubans need to pay attention to the public charge rule if they're being petitioned by a citizen relative or if they're petitioning a relative because they're citizens," she explained.
As a positive development, Marcelo highlighted that the Cuban Adjustment Act now allows for online residency applications, streamlining the process and avoiding complications with the new payment system.
FAQs on Immigration Court and Green Card Changes
What time should I arrive for my immigration court hearing in Miami?
It's recommended to arrive by 6 or 6:30 AM if your hearing is at 8 or 8:30 AM to avoid long lines and ensure timely entry.
Are Cubans affected by the new public charge rule?
Cubans under the Cuban Adjustment Act are not affected by the new public charge rule, although some exceptions apply for those involved in family petitions.
What changes are coming to Miami's immigration court procedures?
Starting September 8, Miami's immigration court will shift to strictly in-person proceedings, eliminating virtual hearings via WebEx.