In a deportation case, the "merits hearing" is basically the 1 chance to present case to the judge directly. The ruling is supposed to come as soon as possible after (even immediately).

Judges are being told to do 3 of them a day starting October 1.

Good scoop from @Haleaziz--> https://t.co/bew6nEeAbC

— Dara Lind (@DLind) August 23, 2018