If you were ever in immigration court proceedings and your case was administratively closed, you might be surprised to learn that it may no longer be dormant. Across the country, immigration authorities are filing Motions to Recalendar, reopening cases that haven’t seen court action in more than a decade. Thousands 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.
Whether you’re just hearing about this development or you've received a troubling notice in the mail, understanding what a Motion to Recalendar is — and what it means for your future — is critical.
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 proceedings resume.
This motion can be filed by either party:
- The DHS, often through its legal branch, the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), or
- The individual respondent, particularly if they now qualify for relief and wish to have their case heard.
Motions to Recalendar are often linked to changes in policy, eligibility for immigration relief, or shifts in government enforcement priorities. In this latest wave, the trigger is a government-led effort to bring thousands of old cases back to court.
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. Judges evaluate the full context of these factors using a "totality of the circumstances" approach.
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.
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. Update Your Address
File a change of address (Form EOIR-33) with the immigration court and notify DHS. This is the best way to make sure you receive future notices.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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
Legal options will vary, but many people do not have to passively accept removal. A qualified immigration attorney can help assess what’s now possible under today’s rules.
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.
San Diego Immigration Law Office is monitoring these developments closely and can assist individuals in understanding their rights and next steps. For those facing renewed immigration proceedings, you can call (619) 473-2506 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a compassionate San Diego immigration lawyer.