Board of Immigration Appeals Issues Narrow Holding Limiting Ability to Reopen Removal Orders

On January 28, 2022, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) issued a ruling in Matter of Laparra, holding that a properly served noncitizen has received sufficient notice of a hearing, even if that respondent was served a noncompliant “notice to appear” that did not specify the time or place of the hearing This decision will limit the ability of some noncitizens to reopen removal orders for failing to appear at a removal hearing. Noncitizens who failed to attend their immigration court hearings can still pursue motions to reopen based on lack of notice or, alternately in some cases, based on exceptional circumstances. Alternately, noncitizens ordered removed in absentia can also seek reopening based on a joint motion with the DHS.

Published by
Palmer Polaski PC

Recent Posts

BIA Allows Judges to Make Changes to Charging Documents

After several precedential Supreme Court decisions on Notices to Appear (NTA), the initial charging document…

4 weeks ago

E-2 Treaty Investors: Closer Look at the Requirements

The E-2 treaty investors visa is a nonimmigrant visa available to foreign nationals from certain…

1 month ago

Public Charge: A Taxing Inadmissibility Ground

While the public charge ground can be challenging and confusing for many, it is critical…

2 months ago

Student Visa Policy Update

On August 27, 2024, USCIS issued a Policy Alert regarding F-1 students, clarifying various course-related…

2 months ago

Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers: Still a Good Backup Option

While the Keeping Family’s Together Program remains on hold, many eligible applicants would be wise…

2 months ago

Keeping Families Together Program Updates

On August 19, 2024, DHS began accepting applications for the Biden Administration’s new “Keeping Families…

3 months ago