In the Merits Hearing, what does the Immigration Judge (IJ) primarily focus on?

In the Merits Hearing, the Immigration Judge (IJ) primarily focuses on the deportability of the individual. This hearing is a critical stage in the immigration process, where the IJ evaluates the evidence presented to determine whether the government has appropriately established that the individual is subject to removal from the United States.

During this hearing, the IJ considers various applicable laws, evidence regarding the individual’s immigration status, and any potential defenses against deportation. Key aspects might include the individual's immigration history and any qualifications for relief available under immigration law, which could impact their deportability status.

While asylum applications and bond reviews may occur in the broader immigration process, they are typically addressed in specific contexts rather than the primary focus of the Merits Hearing itself. The assessment of criminal history can also be significant, particularly if it impacts deportability or eligibility for relief; however, it does not constitute the main focus of this particular hearing.