Post-IIRAIRA removal proceedings are initiated with a notice to appear (NTA) that is sent to the alien. NTAs replaced Order to Show Cause and Notice of Time and Place documents.[25][13] NTAs specify, among other things, "the nature of the proceedings against the alien", "the legal authority under which the proceedings are conducted", "the acts or conduct alleged to be in violation of the law" and "the charges against the alien and the statutory provisions alleged to have been violated".[26] IIRAIRA established the authority of immigration judges in removal proceedings.[27] Immigration judges "shall administer oaths, receive evidence, and interrogate, examine, and cross-examine the alien and any witnesses. The immigration judge may issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and presentation of evidence".[28]
aliens have the right to a "reasonable opportunity to examine the evidence against the alien, to present evidence on the alien's own behalf, and to cross-examine witnesses presented by the Government" but not the right "to an application by the alien for discretionary relief under this Act".[29] Further, under IIRAIRA, aliens "have the privilege of being represented, at no expense to the Government, by counsel of the alien's choosing".[22] Therefore, aliens can have legal representation in immigration court, but they not entitled to legal representation provided by the Government if they cannot afford an attorney.
IIRAIRA established a removal period of 90 days for aliens determined to be removable by an immigration judge.[30] The removal period can begin when "the date the order of removal becomes administratively final", "the date of the court's final order" or if the date at which the alien is released from detention (only in cases of non-immigration related detention).[31] aliens can file one motion to reconsider the decision of an immigration judge, which must be filed within 30 days of the final order being issued.[32] aliens can also file 1 motion for reopening their case, which must be filed within 90 days of the final order of removal.[33]