Under which circumstance can a master calendar hearing occur sooner than 10 days from the NTA service date?

• A. When the judge deems it necessary
• B. When the alien requests an expedited hearing
• C. When there are multiple aliens involved
• D. When the alien is a minor

Answer: (B)

The accurate reasoning for why the expedited hearing request is the correct choice hinges on the procedures outlined for immigration court processes. An alien can request an expedited hearing, which, if granted by the court, allows the master calendar hearing to take place sooner than the typical timeline of 10 days from the Notice to Appear (NTA) service date. This provision is particularly relevant for individuals who have urgent situations that necessitate prompt attention from the court.

In general, the other options—such as decisions made by the judge or considerations of the alien's minor status—do not automatically facilitate a quicker hearing. While judges can prioritize cases, it doesn’t ensure that a hearing will occur in less than the standard timeframe based solely on that discretion. Additionally, the dynamics of multiple aliens involved in a case do not influence the set procedural timelines unless there are specific circumstances that would warrant an exception, which would typically require a formal request. Therefore, the correct choice emphasizes the active role of the alien in seeking a faster resolution through an expedited hearing request.