Few documents cause more fear than a Notice to Appear. It means the Department of Homeland Security has started removal (deportation) proceedings against you and that your case will be decided by an immigration judge. But a Notice to Appear is the beginning of a legal process, not its outcome — and understanding how that process works is the first step toward building a real defense. What Is a Notice to Appear? A Notice to Appear, or NTA, is the charging document DHS files wi