Cuban Paroled to Court

QUESTION:  I am Cuban and I received a parole for 1 year at  the port of entry and I have to appear before an immigration judge at the end of this month.  My questions are:

• Can I go to the court without a lawyer?
• Can I explain this situation to the judge?
• Can I request time to the judge to get a lawyer?
• Should I request political asylum from the judge at this first appointment?
• What about the Cuban Adjustment Act?

What should I do? 

REPLY:  In response to your first three (3) questions the answer is yes.  You can attend your first scheduled Master Hearing before the Immigration Court alone, without a lawyer, and explain to the Judge that you would like additional time to find a lawyer.  Such requests are almost always granted at the first hearing.  If, however, this is the second or third time that you are asking the Judge for time to hire a lawyer, s/he may not like that you have taken so long already to find a lawyer without success. 

I cannot advise you regarding your questions about asylum or the Cuban Adjustment Act because I know nothing about your particular case.  If you would like to submit additional information about your case and receive a complete professional analysis, please consider contacting my office to set up a consultation.