Appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
Victoria Barr Law provides expert legal representation for immigration appeals to the BIA, ensuring a strong defense for individuals facing adverse immigration rulings.
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What Is the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)?
The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) is the highest administrative body for interpreting and applying U.S. immigration law. If an immigration judge issues a removal order or denies an application for relief, individuals can file an appeal with the BIA to overturn the decision.
Who Can File an Appeal to the BIA?
- Individuals with Removal Orders: Those ordered removed or deported by an immigration judge.
- Applicants Denied Relief: Individuals whose applications for asylum, adjustment of status, or cancellation of removal were denied.
- USCIS Petition Denials: Petitioners whose family-based or employment-based petitions were denied.
- Filing Deadline: Appeals must be filed within 30 days of receiving the judge’s decision.
Required Documents for a BIA Appeal
- Completed Form EOIR-26 (Notice of Appeal)
- Copy of the immigration judge’s written decision
- Legal brief or memorandum explaining errors in the judge’s ruling
- Supporting evidence and legal citations
- Filing fees or fee waiver request (if eligible)
BIA Appeal Process
- File the Appeal: Submit Form EOIR-26 and supporting documents within 30 days of the judge’s ruling.
- Receive BIA Docket Number: BIA issues a docket number and schedules a review of the case.
- Submit Legal Brief: File a written legal argument detailing errors in the immigration judge’s decision.
- BIA Review: The BIA reviews the case, written arguments, and evidence submitted.
- BIA Decision: The BIA may affirm, reverse, or remand the case for further proceedings.
Why Choose Victoria Barr Law?
- Expert Appeals Attorneys: We have extensive experience representing clients in high-stakes BIA appeals.
- Detailed Legal Briefs: We prepare persuasive legal briefs with strong legal arguments backed by immigration law precedent.
- Full Case Representation: We handle every aspect of the appeal process, from filing deadlines to oral arguments (if applicable).
- Bilingual Legal Services: We provide services in English and Spanish for clear communication and legal support.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
The BIA is the highest administrative body for interpreting and applying U.S. immigration laws. It reviews decisions made by immigration judges and USCIS officers.
To file an appeal, you must submit Form EOIR-26 within 30 days of the immigration judge’s decision, along with the required filing fee or a fee waiver request.
You can appeal decisions on removal orders, bond determinations, asylum denials, motions to reopen, and other immigration-related rulings.
The BIA appeal process can take anywhere from 6 months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the case and the BIA’s caseload.
Yes, filing a timely appeal with the BIA usually puts a hold on removal proceedings, allowing you to remain in the U.S. until a decision is made.
If the BIA denies your appeal, you may request a reconsideration or file a petition for review with the federal court of appeals within 30 days.
No, the BIA generally reviews only the evidence presented in the original case. New evidence may require a motion to reopen your case.
While not required, having an experienced immigration attorney significantly improves your chances of success by preparing a strong legal argument and adhering to deadlines.
You can check the status of your appeal through the EOIR automated case information system online or by phone using your case number.
A BIA appeal challenges the decision based on the existing record, while a motion to reopen introduces new evidence or circumstances to reexamine the case.