User Question: My immigration court date is next year, but my 7-year-old child's court date is this year. Is it possible to combine my child's court date with mine since they are my dependent? Also, can we move our case to the state we live in now? Are there any disadvantages?

Expert Answer: Yes, you can request to consolidate your child's case with yours by filing a motion to join cases with the immigration court. This is typically granted when a minor is a dependent on a parent's asylum application. You can also request a change of venue to the court in your current state by filing a Motion to Change Venue. However, moving the case could cause delays in processing and scheduling. Additionally, different courts may have different asylum approval rates, which could impact your case strategy. Consulting an immigration attorney is recommended before making these requests.