Having to appear in a Florida court can be a worrisome and stressful experience. For someone at risk for removal, that stress is intensified. If an immigration hearing does not go well, a person might be expelled from the United States and, in some cases, prohibited from returning, which could mean that he or she may not see family members in this country again. Dressing appropriately in a courtroom can help make a good impression on the judge.
Certain types of clothing are not appropriate for a courtroom or immigration interview. In fact, judges have been known to ask people to leave their courtrooms for offensive styles of clothing. If someone is unsure whether a particular outfit is a good choice for immigration proceedings, an immigration attorney will likely have some helpful suggestions.
Acceptable clothing styles
When entering a courtroom for immigration proceedings, any of the following items would be appropriate:
- Men can wear a suit or long-sleeved, button-down dress shirt and slacks with a belt and dress shoes. Adding a tie is also a good choice.
- A woman should wear a skirt that is at or below the knee, a dress or business-style slacks and flat or low-heeled shoes.
- Nowadays, jeans are okay but should not have rips or holes in them, nor should they be excessively baggy or sagging.
Clothing should fit well, and neutral colors (without patterns) are best. If it is something that could be worn to an important business meeting, then it is no doubt appropriate for court.
Check the court website for dress code
Many courts have websites that include dress code information. When someone in Florida is headed for immigration proceedings, it is best to dress the part. Street clothes or clothing one might typically wear around the house are not the best choice for a courtroom. Dressing in a respectful, modest fashion lets the judge know that a person understands the seriousness of the situation.
