Legal: Immigration: Removal Proceedings & Asylum
The Interpreter Academy USA
Advancing the Evolution of Professional Interpretation
Part I: Master Resource Index (Immigration Law)
IMMIGRATION & REMOVAL TERMINOLOGY
| English Source | Spanish Equivalent | Academy Distinction |
|---|---|---|
| Removal Proceedings | Procesos de expulsión / deportación | The administrative process to determine if a non-citizen is to be expelled from the US. |
| Respondent | Compareciente / El encausado | The person in immigration court; distinct from 'defendant' used in criminal court. |
| Withholding of Removal | Suspensión de la expulsión | A form of protection similar to asylum but with a higher burden of proof. |
| Master Calendar Hearing | Audiencia preliminar / de calendario general | A short preliminary hearing in immigration court. |
| Notice to Appear (NTA) | Notificación de comparecencia | The charging document that initiates removal proceedings. |
Part II: Legal Bar Exam Practice Test
The Fact Pattern
"The respondent appeared before the Immigration Judge for a Master Calendar Hearing. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) served a Notice to Appear alleging that the respondent is removable due to a prior conviction. The respondent’s counsel indicated an intent to file for asylum and, in the alternative, withholding of removal based on a well-founded fear of persecution."
1. In immigration court, how is the individual facing removal referred to?
A) Acusado
B) Demandante
C) Respondent (Compareciente)
D) Prisionero
2. What is the Spanish legal term for 'Withholding of Removal'?
A) Cancelación de expulsión
B) Suspensión de la expulsión / de la deportación
C) Asilo político
D) Salida voluntaria
3. How should the interpreter render 'Notice to Appear' (NTA)?
A) Invitación a la corte
B) Notificación de comparecencia
C) Aviso de arresto
D) Orden de salida
Academy Answer Key & Analysis
Q1: C. Compareciente. In administrative law settings like immigration, the term 'respondent' is specific to the party responding to the government's charges.
Q2: B. Suspensión de la expulsión. This is a specific form of relief that prevents the government from sending someone to a country where they face danger.
Q3: B. Notificación de comparecencia. This document outlines the reasons the government believes the respondent is removable.