What is the primary purpose of a Notice to Appear (NTA)?

The primary purpose of a Notice to Appear (NTA) is to formally charge an individual with removal. An NTA is a crucial document in immigration proceedings, as it initiates the process of removal by detailing the allegations against the individual and notifying them of their required appearance in immigration court. This step is fundamental because it provides the individual with the specific reasons for their potential removal and the legal grounds on which the government is seeking to deport them. The issuance of an NTA marks the beginning of formal legal proceedings and plays a critical role in ensuring that individuals can respond to the allegations and defend their case in court.

Other options, while related to immigration processes, do not encapsulate the primary function of an NTA. Voluntary departure is a separate procedure that allows an individual to leave the U.S. on their own terms, rather than through removal. Establishing bond terms pertains to determining conditions under which an individual might be released from custody and does not relate to the NTA's primary function. Similarly, outlining immigration benefits is outside the scope of what an NTA addresses, as it focuses on charges of removability rather than any potential benefits the individual may seek.