You are on page 1of 25

INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS

OF THE
BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
____________

BY BEN WINOGRAD

2024 EDITION
____________

UPDATED JANUARY 2024


____________

A PUBLICATION OF THE
IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE APPELLATE CENTER, LLC
____________

Immigrant & Refugee Appellate Center, LLC | www.irac.net

Copyright © Immigrant & Refugee Appellate Center, LLC, 2024. All rights reserved.
This Index is intended for lawyers and is not a substitute for independent legal advice.
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
BY BEN WINOGRAD

ENDORSEMENTS
“There’s nothing like it. Serious researchers must have it.”
– Daniel M. Kowalski, Editor-in-Chief, Bender’s Immigration Bulletin (LexisNexis)

“An incredible resource for immigrants and their advocates.”


– Professor Maureen Sweeney, University of Maryland School of Law

“A creative and vital advocacy tool for immigrant advocates everywhere.”


– Heidi Altman, Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition

“A must-have for any practitioner defending clients in removal proceedings.”


– Himedes Chicas, Esq., Jezic & Moyse, LLC, Silver Spring, Md.

“A timely, invaluable service that brings transparency to the BIA’s often opaque and
seemingly haphazard decision making.”
– Andrew Knapp, Esq., Adjunct Professor, Southwestern Law School, Los Angeles

“An amazing resource!”


- Michael Carlin, Esq., Ann Arbor, Mich.

“An incredible resource that every lawyer practicing before the Immigration Court and the
BIA should have in their back pocket.”
- Camila Palmer, Esq., Denver, Colo.

“A treasure trove.”
- Patrick Taurel, Esq., Grossman, Young & Hammond

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Ben Winograd is an attorney at the Immigrant & Refugee Appellate Center, LLC. He
specializes in removal defense before the Board of Immigration Appeals and federal circuit
courts. Ben received his J.D. cum laude from Georgetown Law in 2010, where he was an
editor of the Georgetown Immigration Law Journal. He previously worked at the American
Immigration Council. Ben received the 2017 Joseph Minsky Award from the American
Immigration Lawyers Association for outstanding contributions made as a young lawyer in
the field of immigration and nationality law.
ii
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE APPELLATE CENTER, LLC

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Immigrant & Refugee Appellate Center, LLC?


IRAC is a public service law firm located in Alexandria, Virginia, across the street from the
Board of Immigration Appeals. To learn more about IRAC, visit www.irac.net.

What Does this Index Contain?


This Index contains links to more than 6,500 unpublished BIA decisions selected for their
potential to assist noncitizens in removal proceedings. If you have an unpublished BIA
decision that you would like us to include, please email author Ben Winograd at
bwinograd@irac.net.

How Frequently Is This Index Updated?


The 2024 edition of the Index will be updated on a monthly basis. Individuals who purchase
the Index will receive updated versions by email for the rest of 2024.

How Much Does This Index Cost?


The cost of the Index is $150 for individual purchases.

Is Group Pricing Available?


Yes. IRAC offers discounted pricing to firms, law school clinics, and non-profit
organizations wishing to purchase the Index for multiple individuals. Click here for our
group pricing list.

How Do I Purchase This Index?


To purchase the Index, please email bwinograd@irac.net.

How Do I Use This Index?


The Index is designed to be downloaded as a PDF and viewed on a computer or tablet.
Decisions are organized by topic and listed in reverse chronological order within each
category. Clicking the name of a decision links users to a webpage where the decision can
be freely viewed and downloaded. Individuals who purchase the Index will receive a guide
with more details.

If I Purchase This Index, Can I Share It With Others?


No. Absent express written permission from IRAC, individuals who purchase the Index
may not share it with others (e.g., attaching to an email, posting on a website, saving to a
jointly accessible network, etc.). Individuals who wish to share the Index with others in
their firm or organization must purchase a group subscription.

Can I Submit Copies of The Decisions With My Brief?


Yes. The purpose of the Index is to provide unpublished decisions that practitioners can
submit to adjudicators.

iii
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
BY BEN WINOGRAD

SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
(A detailed table of contents begins on the following page)

Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................................................... iii

Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................................... xxiv

Members of the Board of Immigration Appeals ......................................................................... xxiv

I. Grounds of Removability ............................................................................................................... 1

II. Relief from Removal...................................................................................................................... 87

III. Prosecutorial Discretion and Administrative Remedies ................................................... 285

IV. Motions to Reopen ....................................................................................................................... 302

V. Motions to Reconsider ................................................................................................................ 390

VI. Admission, Entry, and Parole ................................................................................................... 394

VII. Evidentiary Issues ....................................................................................................................... 400

VIII. Procedural Issues.................................................................................................................... 423

IX. Bond ................................................................................................................................................ 475

X. Due Process ................................................................................................................................... 503

XI. Convictions and Post-Conviction Relief ................................................................................ 536

XII. Summary Remands...................................................................................................................... 552

XIII. Non-Removal Decisions ......................................................................................................... 564

iv
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE APPELLATE CENTER, LLC

TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Click a topic below to be directed to the relevant section)

Frequently Asked Questions ............................................................................................................... iii

Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................................... xxiv

Members of the Board of Immigration Appeals ......................................................................... xxiv

I. Grounds of Removability ............................................................................................................... 1


Alienage ................................................................................................................................................ 1
Abandonment of LPR Status, Lack of Valid Documents—INA 212(a)(7)(A)(i) ............................... 1
Abandonment of LPR Status ....................................................................................................... 1
Lack of Valid Entry Document .................................................................................................... 2
Aggravated Felonies—INA 237(a)(2)(A)(iii) ....................................................................................... 3
General ......................................................................................................................................... 3
INA 101(a)(43)(A)—murder, rape, sexual abuse of minor......................................................... 3
Murder .................................................................................................................................. 3
Rape ...................................................................................................................................... 4
Sexual Abuse of a Minor ...................................................................................................... 4
INA 101(a)(43)(B)—trafficking in controlled substances .......................................................... 6
No Federally Controlled Substance Required .................................................................... 6
No Trading or Dealing Required ......................................................................................... 8
Small Amount of Marijuana for No Remuneration ......................................................... 11
Miscellaneous ..................................................................................................................... 13
INA 101(a)(43)(C)—trafficking in firearms .............................................................................. 14
INA 101(a)(43)(D)—money laundering..................................................................................... 14
INA 101(a)(43)(E)—firearms and explosives offenses ............................................................. 15
INA 101(a)(43)(F)—crimes of violence ...................................................................................... 15
Physical Force/Injury Requirement .................................................................................. 15
Property Crimes ................................................................................................................. 20
Recklessness ....................................................................................................................... 20
Miscellaneous ..................................................................................................................... 21
Residual Clause—18 USC 16(b) ........................................................................................ 22
INA 101(a)(43)(G)—theft/burglary offenses ............................................................................. 23
Theft .................................................................................................................................... 23
Receipt of Stolen Property ................................................................................................. 27
Burglary .............................................................................................................................. 27
INA 101(a)(43)(I)—child pornography ...................................................................................... 28
INA 101(a)(43)(J)—racketeering and gambling ....................................................................... 29
INA 101(a)(43)(K)—prostitution offenses................................................................................. 29

v
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
BY BEN WINOGRAD

INA 101(a)(43)(M)—fraud and tax evasion .............................................................................. 29


INA 101(a)(43)(M)(i)—fraud .............................................................................................. 29
Fraud or Deceit ........................................................................................................... 29
Loss to Victim(s) ......................................................................................................... 31
INA 101(a)(43)(M)(ii)—tax evasion ................................................................................... 32
INA 101(a)(43)(O)—illegal reentry following commission of aggravated felony ................... 32
INA 101(a)(43)(R)—commercial bribery, counterfeiting, forgery ........................................... 32
INA 101(a)(43)(S)—obstruction of justice................................................................................. 33
INA 101(a)(43)(T)—failure to appear in court ......................................................................... 33
INA 101(a)(43)(U)—attempt or conspiracy .............................................................................. 34
Length of Sentence/Term of Imprisonment.............................................................................. 34
Alien Smuggling—INA 212(a)(6)(E)(i), INA 237(a)(1)(E) ............................................................... 34
Applicants For Admission ................................................................................................................. 35
Child Abuse, Abandonment, and Neglect—INA 237(a)(2)(E) ......................................................... 36
Controlled Substance Offenses—INA 237(a)(2)(B) .......................................................................... 38
No Federally Controlled Substance Required .......................................................................... 38
Paraphernalia ............................................................................................................................ 42
Personal Use of Marijuana Exception ...................................................................................... 43
Miscellaneous ............................................................................................................................. 44
Controlled Substance Traffickers—INA 212(a)(2)(C) ...................................................................... 45
Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude—INA 212(a)(2)(A)(i), INA 237(a)(2)(A)(i) .............................. 45
Assault-Related Crimes ............................................................................................................. 45
Property-Related Crimes ........................................................................................................... 51
Fraud-Related Crimes ............................................................................................................... 53
Theft-Related Crimes................................................................................................................. 56
Vehicle-Related Crimes ............................................................................................................. 61
Sex-Related Crimes.................................................................................................................... 64
Miscellaneous Crimes ................................................................................................................ 67
Within Five Years of “Date of Admission”................................................................................ 70
Matter of Silva-Trevino .............................................................................................................. 71
Juvenile Offender Exception—INA 212(a)(2)(A)(ii)(I) ............................................................. 72
Multiple CIMTs—INA 237(a)(2)(A)(ii)...................................................................................... 72
Petty Offense Exception—INA 212(a)(2)(A)(ii)(II) ................................................................... 72
Sentence of One Year or Longer................................................................................................ 73
Crimes of Domestic Violence—INA 237(a)(2)(E) ............................................................................. 73
Firearm Offenses—INA 237(a)(2)(C) ................................................................................................ 74
Fraud/Misrepresentation/False Claims of Citizenship—INA 212(a)(6)(C) .................................... 77
General ....................................................................................................................................... 77

vi
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE APPELLATE CENTER, LLC

Falsely Claiming U.S. Citizenship ............................................................................................ 78


Inadmissible At Time Of Entry/Adjustment—INA 237(a)(1)(A) .................................................... 79
Marriage Fraud—INA 237(a)(1)(G) .................................................................................................. 80
Multiple Criminal Convictions—INA 212(a)(2)(B) .......................................................................... 80
Overstay—INA 237(a)(1)(B) .............................................................................................................. 80
Present Without Admission or Parole—INA 212(a)(6)(A)(i) ........................................................... 81
Prostitution—INA 212(a)(2)(D)......................................................................................................... 82
Stalking—INA 237(a)(2)(E)(i) ........................................................................................................... 83
Unlawful Presence—INA 212(a)(9) .................................................................................................. 83
Three- and Ten-Year Bars ......................................................................................................... 83
Permanent Bar ........................................................................................................................... 83
Unlawful Voters—INA 237(a)(6) ...................................................................................................... 84
Termination of Conditional Resident Status—INA 237(a)(1)(D) ................................................... 84
Terrorist Activities—INA 212(a)(3)(B) ............................................................................................. 84
Violation of Protection Order—INA 237(a)(2)(E)(ii) ........................................................................ 86
Violation of Nonimmigrant Status—INA 237(a)(1)(C) .................................................................... 86

II. Relief from Removal...................................................................................................................... 87


Abandonment of Applications ........................................................................................................... 87
Application Completed But Misdelivered or Misplaced .......................................................... 87
Consequences of Missing Deadline Not Explained .................................................................. 87
Deadline Not Set ........................................................................................................................ 88
Insufficient Time To Complete Application ............................................................................. 88
Lack of Complete Application or Supporting Documentation ................................................ 89
Miscellaneous ............................................................................................................................. 91
Ability to Apply .................................................................................................................................. 93
Non-Opposition of DHS ..................................................................................................................... 94
Adjustment of Status ......................................................................................................................... 94
Affidavit of Support ................................................................................................................... 94
Arriving Aliens ........................................................................................................................... 94
Bona Fides of Marriage ............................................................................................................. 95
Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) ......................................................................................... 96
Crewmen ..................................................................................................................................... 96
Cuban Adjustment Act .............................................................................................................. 96
Discretionary Determinations ................................................................................................... 97
Employment-Based Petitions .................................................................................................. 100
Filing Fees ................................................................................................................................ 101
Fraud Finding—INA 204(c)..................................................................................................... 101
Inadmissibility ......................................................................................................................... 101

vii
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
BY BEN WINOGRAD

Inspected and Admitted or Paroled ........................................................................................ 101


K Visa Issues ............................................................................................................................ 102
Legality of Marriage ................................................................................................................ 102
Maintenance of “Lawful Status” ............................................................................................. 103
Medical Examination ............................................................................................................... 103
Obtained Through Fraud......................................................................................................... 104
Parole-in-Place ......................................................................................................................... 104
Priority Dates ........................................................................................................................... 104
Refugees .................................................................................................................................... 104
Section 245(i) ............................................................................................................................ 104
Stepparents and Stepchildren ................................................................................................. 106
Termination of Proceedings to Pursue Before USCIS ........................................................... 106
Unauthorized Employment ..................................................................................................... 108
Visa Availability ....................................................................................................................... 108
Asylum and Withholding................................................................................................................. 108
Ability and Willingness of Government To Protect ............................................................... 108
General.............................................................................................................................. 108
Bangladesh ....................................................................................................................... 109
El Salvador ....................................................................................................................... 110
Ghana ................................................................................................................................ 110
Guatemala ........................................................................................................................ 110
Honduras .......................................................................................................................... 111
India .................................................................................................................................. 112
Indonesia........................................................................................................................... 113
Mexico ............................................................................................................................... 113
Somalia ............................................................................................................................. 113
Sierra Leone ..................................................................................................................... 113
Asylum-Only Proceedings........................................................................................................ 113
Changed Country Conditions (for Motion to Reopen)............................................................ 113
General.............................................................................................................................. 113
Azerbaijan ......................................................................................................................... 115
Cameroon .......................................................................................................................... 115
Central African Republic ................................................................................................. 115
China ................................................................................................................................. 115
Dominican Republic ......................................................................................................... 116
Egypt ................................................................................................................................. 116
El Salvador ....................................................................................................................... 116
Eritrea ............................................................................................................................... 116

viii
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE APPELLATE CENTER, LLC

Ethiopia............................................................................................................................. 116
Guatemala ........................................................................................................................ 117
Honduras .......................................................................................................................... 117
India .................................................................................................................................. 117
Indonesia........................................................................................................................... 117
Iraq .................................................................................................................................... 119
Kenya ................................................................................................................................ 119
Malawi .............................................................................................................................. 119
Mauritania ........................................................................................................................ 119
Mexico ............................................................................................................................... 119
Russia................................................................................................................................ 120
Somalia ............................................................................................................................. 120
Syria .................................................................................................................................. 120
Ukraine ............................................................................................................................. 120
Uzbekistan ........................................................................................................................ 120
Venezuela.......................................................................................................................... 120
Yemen ............................................................................................................................... 121
Confidentiality ......................................................................................................................... 121
Corroboration ........................................................................................................................... 121
Credible Fear Determinations ................................................................................................ 121
Discretionary Determinations ................................................................................................. 122
Disfavored Groups ................................................................................................................... 125
Domestic Violence—Matter of A-R-C-G-, 26 I&N Dec. 388 (BIA 2014) ................................ 125
Ability to Leave Relationship .......................................................................................... 125
Nexus/Motivations of Abuser .......................................................................................... 126
No Marriage Requirement ............................................................................................... 127
Reporting Abuse to Authorities ....................................................................................... 130
Vacatur of Matter of A-B-................................................................................................. 130
Dual Nationals ......................................................................................................................... 131
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) .......................................................................................... 131
Firm Resettlement Bar ............................................................................................................ 132
Frivolousness Findings ............................................................................................................ 134
Fundamental Change in Circumstances ................................................................................ 135
Gangs and Cartels.................................................................................................................... 136
Humanitarian Asylum ............................................................................................................. 137
Internal Relocation .................................................................................................................. 138
Material Support Bar .............................................................................................................. 140
Military Conscripts .................................................................................................................. 140

ix
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
BY BEN WINOGRAD

Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) ....................................................................................... 140


Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................................... 141
Nationality................................................................................................................................ 142
Nexus ........................................................................................................................................ 142
One-Year Filing Deadline ........................................................................................................ 143
Changed Circumstances Exception................................................................................. 143
Extraordinary Circumstances Exception ....................................................................... 145
Filing Within Reasonable Period .................................................................................... 147
Mendez Rojas Class Members ......................................................................................... 148
Miscellaneous ................................................................................................................... 148
Particular Social Groups ......................................................................................................... 149
General.............................................................................................................................. 149
Crime Victims/Witnesses ................................................................................................. 151
Family-Based Claims ....................................................................................................... 153
Gender and Domestic-Violence Based Claims ............................................................... 156
Gender Alone ............................................................................................................ 156
Domestic Violence .................................................................................................... 158
Gang-Related ............................................................................................................ 160
Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................... 160
Mental Health Claims...................................................................................................... 161
Occupation-Based Claims ................................................................................................ 162
Sexual Orientation/Transgender-Based Claims ............................................................ 163
Particularly Serious Crimes .................................................................................................... 165
Pattern or Practice ................................................................................................................... 168
Persecution ............................................................................................................................... 169
General Principles ............................................................................................................ 169
Economic Persecution ...................................................................................................... 169
Inability to Practice Religion ........................................................................................... 169
Threats .............................................................................................................................. 170
Physical Maltreatment .................................................................................................... 170
Sexual Maltreatment ....................................................................................................... 176
Persecutor Bar.......................................................................................................................... 176
Political Opinion....................................................................................................................... 176
Prior Residences ....................................................................................................................... 179
Race/Ethnicity .......................................................................................................................... 179
Referral from USCIS ............................................................................................................... 180
Religion ..................................................................................................................................... 180
Resistance To Coercive Population Control Program ............................................................ 181

x
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE APPELLATE CENTER, LLC

Right to Specialized Counsel ................................................................................................... 182


Right to Apply and/or Testify In Support of Application ...................................................... 182
Safe Third Country Agreement ............................................................................................... 186
Serious Nonpolitical Crimes .................................................................................................... 186
State Department Reports ...................................................................................................... 186
Termination of Asylum ............................................................................................................ 187
Third Country Transit Rule .................................................................................................... 187
Timing of Individual Hearing ................................................................................................. 188
Unaccompanied Minors ........................................................................................................... 188
Well-Founded Fear .................................................................................................................. 189
Cancellation of Removal .................................................................................................................. 190
LPR Cancellation—INA 240A(a) ............................................................................................ 190
LPR Status ....................................................................................................................... 190
Continuous Residence Following Admission in Any Status .......................................... 190
Discretionary Determinations ......................................................................................... 191
Non-LPR Cancellation—INA 240A(b)(1) ................................................................................ 195
Continuous Physical Presence ........................................................................................ 195
Discretionary Determinations ......................................................................................... 198
Eligibility of LPRs ............................................................................................................ 201
Exceptional and Extremely Unusual Hardship ............................................................. 201
Cultural Hardship .................................................................................................... 201
Cumulative Impact on Multiple Qualifying Relatives ........................................... 202
Emotional Hardship ................................................................................................. 203
Financial Hardship .................................................................................................. 204
Hardship to Applicant and Nonqualifying Relatives ............................................. 205
Medical Hardship ..................................................................................................... 205
Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................... 209
Learning and Developmental Disabilities (Including Autism) ............................. 211
Psychological Hardship (Including Anxiety) .......................................................... 214
Sufficient to Remand or Reopen Proceedings ......................................................... 216
Good Moral Character...................................................................................................... 221
Criminal Activity ...................................................................................................... 221
Confinement in Penal Institution ........................................................................... 221
Driving Under the Influence ................................................................................... 221
False Claim To Citizenship ..................................................................................... 222
False Testimony ....................................................................................................... 222
Gang Affiliation ........................................................................................................ 223
Habitual Drunkards ................................................................................................. 223

xi
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
BY BEN WINOGRAD

Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................... 223


Polygamy ................................................................................................................... 225
Taxes ......................................................................................................................... 225
Ten-Year Window ..................................................................................................... 226
Qualifying Relatives......................................................................................................... 226
VAWA Cancellation—INA 240A(b)(2) .................................................................................... 227
“Stop-Time” Rule ...................................................................................................................... 228
Criminal Offenses ............................................................................................................ 228
Service of NTA .................................................................................................................. 228
Citizenship ....................................................................................................................................... 231
General ..................................................................................................................................... 231
Derivative ................................................................................................................................. 232
Convention Against Torture (CAT) ................................................................................................ 234
General ..................................................................................................................................... 234
Country-Specific ....................................................................................................................... 236
Algeria ............................................................................................................................... 236
Armenia ............................................................................................................................ 236
Belize ................................................................................................................................. 237
Brazil ................................................................................................................................. 237
China ................................................................................................................................. 237
Colombia ........................................................................................................................... 237
Cuba .................................................................................................................................. 237
Democratic Republic of Congo ......................................................................................... 237
Dominican Republic ......................................................................................................... 237
El Salvador ....................................................................................................................... 238
Eritrea ............................................................................................................................... 240
Guatemala ........................................................................................................................ 240
Haiti .................................................................................................................................. 240
Honduras .......................................................................................................................... 240
India .................................................................................................................................. 241
Iraq .................................................................................................................................... 241
Jamaica ............................................................................................................................. 242
Kenya ................................................................................................................................ 242
Lebanon ............................................................................................................................ 242
Liberia ............................................................................................................................... 242
Lithuania .......................................................................................................................... 242
Mexico ............................................................................................................................... 243
Morocco ............................................................................................................................. 244

xii
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE APPELLATE CENTER, LLC

Nigeria .............................................................................................................................. 244


Pakistan ............................................................................................................................ 244
Peru ................................................................................................................................... 244
Russia................................................................................................................................ 244
Sierra Leone ..................................................................................................................... 245
Somalia ............................................................................................................................. 245
South Sudan ..................................................................................................................... 245
Thailand ............................................................................................................................ 245
Ukraine ............................................................................................................................. 245
Venezuela.......................................................................................................................... 245
Vietnam............................................................................................................................. 245
NACARA (Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act) ....................................... 246
Nonimmigrant Status ...................................................................................................................... 247
T Status .................................................................................................................................... 247
U Status .................................................................................................................................... 248
Continuance/Administrative Closure Pending Adjudication ........................................ 248
Grant of U Status as “Admission” ................................................................................... 254
Termination Following Grant or Placement on Waiting List ....................................... 254
Waivers ............................................................................................................................. 256
V Status .................................................................................................................................... 256
Registry ............................................................................................................................................ 256
Removal of Conditions on LPR Status ........................................................................................... 256
Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status ....................................................................................... 257
Basis for Remand or Reopening .............................................................................................. 257
Basis for Termination of Proceedings ..................................................................................... 259
Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................................... 259
Continuance/Administrative Closure Pending Adjudication ................................................ 260
Suspension of Deportation .............................................................................................................. 263
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)................................................................................................. 263
VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) ........................................................................................... 265
Voluntary Departure ....................................................................................................................... 265
Ability to Reenter Foreign Country ........................................................................................ 265
Application Requirements ....................................................................................................... 265
Arriving Aliens ......................................................................................................................... 265
Basis for Reopening ................................................................................................................. 265
Bond .......................................................................................................................................... 265
Discretionary Determinations ................................................................................................. 266
Extension of Time to Depart ................................................................................................... 268

xiii
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
BY BEN WINOGRAD

Failure to Depart ..................................................................................................................... 268


IJ Failure to Consider .............................................................................................................. 268
Intention/Means to Depart ...................................................................................................... 269
Nunc Pro Tunc ......................................................................................................................... 269
Petitions For Review ................................................................................................................ 269
Physical Presence Requirement .............................................................................................. 269
Prior to Conclusion of Proceedings ......................................................................................... 270
Reinstatement on Appeal ........................................................................................................ 270
Waiver of Appeal ...................................................................................................................... 270
Withdrawal or Termination of ................................................................................................ 271
With Safeguards....................................................................................................................... 271
Waivers of Removability.................................................................................................................. 272
INA 209(c) ................................................................................................................................. 272
Discretionary Determinations ......................................................................................... 272
Exceptional and Extremely Unusual Hardship ............................................................. 272
INA 211(b) ................................................................................................................................ 272
INA 212(c) ................................................................................................................................. 272
INA 212(d)(3) ............................................................................................................................ 275
INA 212(h) ................................................................................................................................ 275
Aggravated Felony/Seven-Year Residence Bars ............................................................ 275
“Admission” as an LPR ............................................................................................ 275
“Lawfully Resides Continuously” ............................................................................ 277
Discretionary Determinations ......................................................................................... 277
Extreme Hardship ............................................................................................................ 278
Heightened Discretionary Standard For Violent or Dangerous Crimes ...................... 279
Simple Possession of 30 Grams or Less of Marijuana ................................................... 279
Waiver Under 212(h)(1)(A) .............................................................................................. 280
INA 212(i) ................................................................................................................................. 280
Discretionary Determinations ......................................................................................... 280
Extreme Hardship ............................................................................................................ 281
INA 212(k) ................................................................................................................................ 281
INA 216(c)(4)(A) ....................................................................................................................... 281
INA 216(c)(4)(B) ....................................................................................................................... 281
INA 237(a)(1)(H) ...................................................................................................................... 282
Withdrawal of Application for Admission ...................................................................................... 284

III. Prosecutorial Discretion and Administrative Remedies ................................................... 285


Administrative Closure ................................................................................................................... 285
Authority to Administratively Close Proceedings ................................................................. 285

xiv
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE APPELLATE CENTER, LLC

As Form of Prosecutorial Discretion ....................................................................................... 285


For DACA Applicants and Grantees....................................................................................... 286
For Detained Respondents ...................................................................................................... 288
For Mental Incompetency ........................................................................................................ 288
Pending Action By USCIS ....................................................................................................... 289
Pending Resolution of Criminal Proceedings ......................................................................... 291
Recalendaring........................................................................................................................... 291
To Pursue Relief Before USCIS .............................................................................................. 291
Other ......................................................................................................................................... 291
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) ........................................................................... 292
Dismissal/Termination of Proceedings ........................................................................................... 294
Provisional Unlawful Presence Waivers (Form I-601A) ............................................................... 294

IV. Motions to Reopen ....................................................................................................................... 302


To Pursue Relief from Removal ...................................................................................................... 302
Equitable Tolling ............................................................................................................................. 304
In Absentia Orders of Removal ....................................................................................................... 307
Eligibility for Relief.................................................................................................................. 307
Evidence of Removability ........................................................................................................ 307
Exceptional Circumstances ..................................................................................................... 308
180-Day Deadline ............................................................................................................. 308
Awaiting Return After Removal...................................................................................... 308
Confusion/Inadvertent Mistake ...................................................................................... 308
Erroneous Failure to Change Venue .............................................................................. 309
Family Illness/Trauma .................................................................................................... 310
Fault of Attorney/Representative.................................................................................... 310
Illness or Physical Impairment ....................................................................................... 313
Inability to Decipher Hearing Notice.............................................................................. 314
Inability to Travel ............................................................................................................ 314
Lateness ............................................................................................................................ 315
Minors ............................................................................................................................... 315
Miscellaneous ................................................................................................................... 315
Misinformation from DHS or Immigration Court .......................................................... 317
Misunderstood Date of Hearing ...................................................................................... 317
Traffic/Transportation Problems..................................................................................... 318
Failure to Appear ..................................................................................................................... 318
Fugitive Disentitlement Doctrine ........................................................................................... 319
Lack of Notice ........................................................................................................................... 320
Change of Address............................................................................................................ 320

xv
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
BY BEN WINOGRAD

Deficient NTA ................................................................................................................... 321


Delivery by Regular Mail ................................................................................................. 321
Erroneous or Incomplete Address ................................................................................... 325
Erroneous or Incomplete Time or Location of Hearing ................................................. 328
Erroneous or Incomplete Name....................................................................................... 328
Fault of Attorney/Representative.................................................................................... 329
Lack of or Faulty Interpreter at Hearing ....................................................................... 330
Minors ............................................................................................................................... 330
Miscellaneous ................................................................................................................... 331
Notice Delivered But Not Received By Respondent ...................................................... 334
Notice Not In Record ........................................................................................................ 334
Notice Not Sent to Respondent and/or Attorney ............................................................ 334
Notice Sent to Outdated Address .................................................................................... 335
Notice Returned as Undeliverable .................................................................................. 339
Oral Warnings .................................................................................................................. 340
Signature on NTA ............................................................................................................ 340
Timing of Hearing Notice ................................................................................................ 340
In Federal or State Custody .................................................................................................... 340
Pre-IIRIRA ............................................................................................................................... 341
Sua Sponte/Totality of the Circumstances ............................................................................. 342
Joint Motions.................................................................................................................................... 355
Jurisdiction with IJ versus Board .................................................................................................. 356
Miscellaneous ................................................................................................................................... 357
Numerical Limitations .................................................................................................................... 357
Post-Departure Bar ......................................................................................................................... 358
Sua Sponte ....................................................................................................................................... 359
Diligence in Filing .................................................................................................................... 359
Following Acquisition of Lawful Status ................................................................................. 359
Following Attempt To Remove To Third County ................................................................... 360
For Acquisition or Claims of U.S. Citizenship ....................................................................... 360
For Board Error........................................................................................................................ 361
For Change in Law .................................................................................................................. 361
Affecting Removability..................................................................................................... 361
Affecting Eligibility for Relief .......................................................................................... 365
For DACA Recipients ............................................................................................................... 369
For Humanitarian/Medical Reasons ....................................................................................... 369
For Ineffective Assistance of Counsel ..................................................................................... 374
For Lack of Notice of Hearing ................................................................................................. 375

xvi
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE APPELLATE CENTER, LLC

For Post-Conviction Relief ....................................................................................................... 375


Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................................... 379
Scope of Authority .................................................................................................................... 380
To Pursue Relief from Removal .............................................................................................. 380
To Re-Examine Removability .................................................................................................. 387
To Travel on Advance Parole .................................................................................................. 388
Unknown Reasons.................................................................................................................... 388
Unavailability of Evidence .............................................................................................................. 388
When Barred By Reinstatement of Prior Order ............................................................................ 389

V. Motions to Reconsider ................................................................................................................ 390


Additional Evidence ......................................................................................................................... 390
Change in Circumstances................................................................................................................ 390
Change in Law ................................................................................................................................. 390
Erroneous Determinations .............................................................................................................. 390
Overlooked Aspect of Case .............................................................................................................. 391
Post-Departure ................................................................................................................................. 393
Sua Sponte ....................................................................................................................................... 393

VI. Admission, Entry, and Parole ................................................................................................... 394


Admission ......................................................................................................................................... 394
General ..................................................................................................................................... 394
Adjustment as “Admission” ..................................................................................................... 395
Fraudulent Documents ............................................................................................................ 396
Advance Parole................................................................................................................................. 396
Entry ................................................................................................................................................. 396
Returning LPRs ............................................................................................................................... 396

VII. Evidentiary Issues ....................................................................................................................... 400


Administrative Notice ..................................................................................................................... 400
Audio/Video Evidence ...................................................................................................................... 400
Authentication/Certification of Records ......................................................................................... 400
Burden of Proof ................................................................................................................................ 401
To Establish Removability ...................................................................................................... 401
To Establish Eligibility for Relief ........................................................................................... 402
Corroborating Evidence ................................................................................................................... 403
Credibility Determinations ............................................................................................................. 404
Demeanor ................................................................................................................................. 404
Duty To Cite Specific Examples .............................................................................................. 404
Duty To Consider Independent Evidence ............................................................................... 405

xvii
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
BY BEN WINOGRAD

Duty To Give Respondent Opportunity To Explain............................................................... 406


Falsus In Uno, Falsus In Omnibus ......................................................................................... 407
Inherent Plausibility................................................................................................................ 408
Mental Health .......................................................................................................................... 408
Minor or Tangential Inconsistencies ...................................................................................... 408
Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................................... 409
Omissions ................................................................................................................................. 413
Presumption of Credibility on Appeal .................................................................................... 413
Prior Border and Credible Fear Interviews ........................................................................... 413
Prior Fraudulent Activity ........................................................................................................ 414
“Self-Serving” Testimony ......................................................................................................... 415
Similarity To Other Claims / Matter of R-K-K-, 26 I&N Dec. 658 (BIA 2015) ..................... 415
Speculation ............................................................................................................................... 415
Motions to Suppress ........................................................................................................................ 416
Right to Cross-Examine .................................................................................................................. 420
Weight Given To Evidence .............................................................................................................. 421

VIII. Procedural Issues.................................................................................................................... 423


Abeyance........................................................................................................................................... 423
Amending NTA & Lodging Additional Charges ............................................................................ 423
Appellate (BIA) Issues ..................................................................................................................... 423
Appeal Deadlines ..................................................................................................................... 423
Briefing Deadlines ................................................................................................................... 424
Certification of Appeals ........................................................................................................... 424
Cross-Appeals ........................................................................................................................... 425
Interlocutory Appeals .............................................................................................................. 425
Administrative Closure, Continuances, and Placement on Status Docket .................. 425
Change of Venue .............................................................................................................. 427
Eligibility for Relief .......................................................................................................... 431
Miscellaneous ................................................................................................................... 431
Reopening of Proceedings ................................................................................................ 432
Termination or Dismissal of Proceedings ....................................................................... 432
Withdrawal as Counsel .................................................................................................... 433
IJ Editing of Decision .............................................................................................................. 433
Jurisdiction Shifting To BIA ................................................................................................... 434
Page Limits for Briefs and Motions ........................................................................................ 434
Referral to Three-Member Panel ............................................................................................ 434
Standard of Review .................................................................................................................. 434
De Novo ............................................................................................................................. 434

xviii
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE APPELLATE CENTER, LLC

Clear Error ....................................................................................................................... 434


Submission of Evidence on Appeal ......................................................................................... 435
Summary Dismissal of Appeal ................................................................................................ 435
Waiver of Appeal ...................................................................................................................... 436
Waiver/Forfeiture of Arguments ............................................................................................. 439
Withdrawal of Appeal .............................................................................................................. 439
Biometrics......................................................................................................................................... 439
Change of Venue .............................................................................................................................. 442
Circuit Law....................................................................................................................................... 445
Compliance With Practice Manual ................................................................................................. 445
Continuances .................................................................................................................................... 446
For Attorney Preparation ........................................................................................................ 446
To Obtain Counsel ................................................................................................................... 446
To Prepare/Support Application for Relief ............................................................................. 447
To Receive FOIA Results ......................................................................................................... 450
To Review A-File ...................................................................................................................... 450
To Seek Post-Conviction Relief ............................................................................................... 450
To Seek Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Status................................................................. 450
To Seek U Visa ......................................................................................................................... 451
To Submit Updated Information ............................................................................................. 451
Pending Adjudication by USCIS ............................................................................................. 452
Pending Appeal of Denial By USCIS ...................................................................................... 454
Pending State or Federal Court Proceedings ......................................................................... 454
Pending Promulgation of Regulations .................................................................................... 455
Pending Completion of Related Removal Proceeding ............................................................ 455
Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................................... 455
Crewmen .......................................................................................................................................... 455
Designation of Country of Removal ................................................................................................ 455
Equitable Tolling ............................................................................................................................. 456
Expert Witnesses ............................................................................................................................. 457
Filing Deadlines ............................................................................................................................... 457
Filing Fees ........................................................................................................................................ 457
Filing Requirements ........................................................................................................................ 457
Jurisdiction....................................................................................................................................... 458
Late-Filed Evidence ......................................................................................................................... 458
“Law of the Case” Doctrine.............................................................................................................. 458
Motions to Withdraw as Counsel .................................................................................................... 458
Miscellaneous ................................................................................................................................... 459

xix
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
BY BEN WINOGRAD

Notices to Appear ............................................................................................................................. 460


Opportunity to Respond to Motion ................................................................................................. 462
Pleadings .......................................................................................................................................... 462
Reissuance of Decisions ................................................................................................................... 463
Replacement Immigration Judge.................................................................................................... 464
Res Judicata and Collateral Estoppel ............................................................................................ 465
Return After Improper Removal ..................................................................................................... 465
Scope of Remand .............................................................................................................................. 465
Service .............................................................................................................................................. 466
Subpoenas ........................................................................................................................................ 467
Stays of Removal .............................................................................................................................. 467
Termination or Dismissal of Proceedings....................................................................................... 467
Citizenship................................................................................................................................ 467
Death of Respondent ................................................................................................................ 468
Deficient NTA........................................................................................................................... 468
Departure From United States ............................................................................................... 469
DHS Failure To Satisfy Burden .............................................................................................. 470
Improper Service of NTA ......................................................................................................... 470
Mental Competency ................................................................................................................. 471
Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................................... 471
Over Objection of Respondent ................................................................................................. 471
Prosecutorial Discretion .......................................................................................................... 472
Reinstatement of Prior Order ................................................................................................. 472
To Pursue or Following Receipt of Provisional Waiver ......................................................... 472
To Pursue Adjustment of Status With USCIS ....................................................................... 472
Visa Waiver Program (VWP) .......................................................................................................... 473
Waiver/Failure to Preserve Argument ........................................................................................... 473
Withdrawal of Attorney Concession ............................................................................................... 473
Withholding-Only Proceedings ....................................................................................................... 474

IX. Bond ................................................................................................................................................ 475


Arriving Aliens ................................................................................................................................. 475
Bond Proceedings Distinct From Removal Proceedings................................................................ 475
Burden of Proof ................................................................................................................................ 475
Conditions of Release....................................................................................................................... 475
Jurisdiction....................................................................................................................................... 476
Discretionary Detention—INA 236(a) ............................................................................................ 476
Alternatives to Detention ........................................................................................................ 476
Amount of Bond/Ability to Pay................................................................................................ 476

xx
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE APPELLATE CENTER, LLC

Burden of Proof ........................................................................................................................ 479


Danger to the Community ....................................................................................................... 479
Controlled Substances ..................................................................................................... 479
Crimes Involving Children .............................................................................................. 479
Dismissed Criminal Charges ........................................................................................... 480
Driving Under the Influence ........................................................................................... 481
Driving Without a License ............................................................................................... 485
Gang Membership/Affiliation .......................................................................................... 486
Miscellaneous ................................................................................................................... 487
Flight Risk ................................................................................................................................ 490
Material Change in Circumstances ........................................................................................ 496
National Security ..................................................................................................................... 497
Rodriguez v. Robbins (Rodriguez III), 804 F.3d 1060 (9th Cir. 2015) .................................. 498
Mandatory Detention—INA 236(c) ................................................................................................. 498
“Custody” Requirement ........................................................................................................... 498
Whether DHS Is Likely To Prevail on Charge ....................................................................... 499
Mootness ........................................................................................................................................... 500
Miscellaneous ................................................................................................................................... 501
Post-Final Order Detention............................................................................................................. 501
Pending Petition for Review .................................................................................................... 501
Pending Reinstatement of Removal........................................................................................ 501

X. Due Process ................................................................................................................................... 503


Access to Government Documents .................................................................................................. 503
Bias or Misconduct of Immigration Judge ..................................................................................... 503
Abusive and Inappropriate Behavior...................................................................................... 503
Acting as Advocate ................................................................................................................... 504
Disregarding Board Decisions ................................................................................................. 505
Prior Employment With DHS ................................................................................................. 505
Stereotyping ............................................................................................................................. 505
Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................................... 506
Development of Record .................................................................................................................... 507
Ineffective Assistance of Counsel.................................................................................................... 507
Compliance With Matter of Lozada ........................................................................................ 507
Failure to Advise Client........................................................................................................... 510
Failure to Appeal ..................................................................................................................... 511
Failure to Contest Removability ............................................................................................. 511
Failure to Explain Rights ........................................................................................................ 511
Failure to File Application or Documents .............................................................................. 512

xxi
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
BY BEN WINOGRAD

Failure to File Brief ................................................................................................................. 513


Failure to Investigate .............................................................................................................. 514
Failure to Make Argument ...................................................................................................... 514
Failure to Notify Client ........................................................................................................... 515
Failure to Seek Relief .............................................................................................................. 515
Failure to Submit Evidence ..................................................................................................... 516
Improper Concession ............................................................................................................... 517
Losing Documents .................................................................................................................... 517
Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................................... 517
Prejudice ................................................................................................................................... 518
Unauthorized Practice of Law ................................................................................................. 518
Interpreters ...................................................................................................................................... 519
Mental Competency ......................................................................................................................... 520
Administrative Closure ........................................................................................................... 520
Competency Finding ................................................................................................................ 521
Duty To Conduct Competency Hearing .................................................................................. 521
Duty of DHS ............................................................................................................................. 524
Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................................... 524
Safeguards ................................................................................................................................ 525
Service....................................................................................................................................... 525
Notice of Apparent Eligibility for Relief ......................................................................................... 525
Prejudice ........................................................................................................................................... 527
Pro Se Respondents ......................................................................................................................... 527
Proportionality of Removal ............................................................................................................. 530
Right to Call Witnesses/Submit Evidence...................................................................................... 530
Right to Counsel............................................................................................................................... 531
Right to See/Rebut Evidence ........................................................................................................... 535
Stipulated Removal Orders ............................................................................................................. 535
Video Teleconference ....................................................................................................................... 535

XI. Convictions and Post-Conviction Relief ................................................................................ 536


Admissions of Criminal Activity ..................................................................................................... 536
Convictions ....................................................................................................................................... 536
Categorical and Modified Categorical Approach ................................................................... 536
Existence of Conviction............................................................................................................ 539
Finality of Conviction .............................................................................................................. 541
Timing of Conviction ................................................................................................................ 542
Post-Conviction Relief ..................................................................................................................... 543
Pardons ..................................................................................................................................... 543

xxii
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
IMMIGRANT & REFUGEE APPELLATE CENTER, LLC

Vacaturs / Withdrawals of Guilty Pleas ................................................................................. 544


Record Modifications................................................................................................................ 550
Sentence Modifications ............................................................................................................ 550

XII. Summary Remands...................................................................................................................... 552


Audio Difficulties and Incomplete Transcripts .............................................................................. 552
For IJ to Consider in First Instance ............................................................................................... 553
IJ Failure to Consider Evidence ..................................................................................................... 554
IJ Failure to Explain ....................................................................................................................... 554
IJ Failure to Take Pleadings ........................................................................................................... 554
Inadequacy of IJ Decision ............................................................................................................... 554
Intervening Laws/Regulations ........................................................................................................ 561
Missing or Incomplete Record of Proceedings ................................................................................ 561
Motions to Remand .......................................................................................................................... 562
To Clarify Country of Removal ....................................................................................................... 563

XIII. Non-Removal Decisions ......................................................................................................... 564


Nonimmigrant Visa Waivers........................................................................................................... 564
Rescission of LPR Status ................................................................................................................. 565
Visa Petitions ................................................................................................................................... 565
Adam Walsh Act....................................................................................................................... 565
Evidentiary and Procedural Issues ......................................................................................... 565
Petitions For Children ............................................................................................................. 566
Adopted Children ............................................................................................................. 566
Children Born Out of Wedlock ........................................................................................ 567
Stepchildren...................................................................................................................... 567
Petitions For Parents ............................................................................................................... 567
Sibling Petitions ....................................................................................................................... 568
Spousal Petitions...................................................................................................................... 568
Arranged Marriages ......................................................................................................... 568
Bona Fides of Relationship .............................................................................................. 568
Proxy Marriages ............................................................................................................... 569
Validity of Prior Divorce .................................................................................................. 569
Miscellaneous ........................................................................................................................... 570
Revocation of Petitions ............................................................................................................ 570
Sham Marriage Bar—INA 204(c) ........................................................................................... 572
General.............................................................................................................................. 572
Standard of Proof ............................................................................................................. 574

xxiii
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
BY BEN WINOGRAD

ABBREVIATIONS
BIA – Board of Immigration Appeals
CBP – Customs and Border Protection
CFR – Code of Federal Regulations
DHS – Department of Homeland Security
EAD – Employment Authorization Document
ICE – Immigration and Customs Enforcement
IJ – Immigration Judge
INA – Immigration and Nationality Act
LPR – Lawful Permanent Resident
NACARA – Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act
NTA – Notice to Appear
SIJ – Special Immigrant Juvenile
TPS – Temporary Protected Status
USCIS – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS


The decisions contained in this index were authored or joined by the following BIA members:
▪ David Wetmore (Chairman) ▪ Beth S. Liebmann (Member)
▪ Charles Adkins Blanch (Vice Chairman) ▪ Ellen Liebowitz (Member)
▪ Michael P. Baird (Member) ▪ Sunita B. Mahtabfar (Member)
▪ William A. Cassidy (Former Member) ▪ Garry D. Malphrus (Member)
▪ Katharine E. Clark (Member) ▪ Ana Landazabal Mann (Member)
▪ Patricia A. Cole (Former Member) ▪ Elise Manuel (Former Temporary Member)
▪ Stuart V. Couch (Former Member) ▪ Neil P. Miller (Former Member)
▪ Michael J. Creppy (Member) ▪ Megan Foote Monsky (Former Temporary Member)
▪ John Crossett (Former Temporary Member) ▪ Philip J. Montante Jr. (Member)
▪ Lisa de Cardona (Former Temporary Member) ▪ Daniel Morris (Former Temporary Member)
▪ Teresa L. Donovan (Former Temporary Member) ▪ Hugh Mullane (Member)
▪ Lauri S. Filppu (Former Member) ▪ David Neal (Former Chairman)
▪ Megan Foote (Temporary Member) ▪ Mark Noferi (Temporary Member)
▪ Joan B. Geller (Former Temporary Member) ▪ Margaret O’Herron (Former Temporary Member)
▪ Marcos Gemoets (Former Temporary Member) ▪ Blair O’Connor (Member)
▪ Deborah K. Goodwin (Member) ▪ Brian M. O’Leary (Former Temporary Member)
▪ Stephanie E. Gorman (Member) ▪ Juan Osuna (Former Member)
▪ Edward R. Grant (Former Member) ▪ Sirce Owen (Member)
▪ Anne J. Greer (Member) ▪ Roger Pauley (Former Member)
▪ John W. Guendelsberger (Former Member) ▪ S. Kathleen Pepper (Former Temporary Member)
▪ Fred Hess (Former Member) ▪ Aaron R. Petty (Member)
▪ Sharon C. Hoffman (Former Temporary Member) ▪ Kevin W. Riley (Member)
▪ Hope M. Holiona (Former Temporary Member) ▪ Scott Rosen (Former Temporary Member)
▪ David B. Holmes (Former Member) ▪ Andrea Saenz (Member)
▪ Keith E. Hunsucker (Member) ▪ Thomas Snow (Former Temporary Member)
▪ Edward F. Kelly (Former Member) ▪ Daniel L. Swanwick (Former Temporary Member)
▪ Molly Kendall Clark (Former Member) ▪ Linda S. Wendtland (Former Member)
▪ Carole A. King (Former Member) ▪ David H. Wetmore (Member)
▪ Jean C. King (Former Member) ▪ Earle B. Wilson (Member)

xxiv
INDEX OF UNPUBLISHED DECISIONS OF THE BOARD OF IMMIGRATION APPEALS
BY BEN WINOGRAD

I. GROUNDS OF REMOVABILITY
Alienage

Deivid Jonas Perez-Vail, A208 273 490 (BIA Nov. 16, 2020) (upholds finding that DHS failed to
establish alienage by clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence where IJ did not clearly err in
crediting testimony of respondent’s parents that he was born in Florida) (Kelly, Adkins-Blanch,
Couch (dissenting))

Herman Dickens Ogoti, A099 235 155 (BIA June 10, 2019) (terminates proceedings under Okpala v.
Whitaker, 908 F.3d 965 (5th Cir. 2018), because respondent was a naturalized citizen at the time of
the conviction giving rise to the charge of removability) (Adkins-Blanch, Liebmann, Morris)

Abandonment of LPR Status, Lack of Valid Documents—INA 212(a)(7)(A)(i)

Abandonment of LPR Status

Chineye Helen Ananti, A061 340 835 (BIA July 11, 2019) (affirms finding that respondent did not
abandon LPR status where she returned to the United States six times between 2010 and 2016,
applied for visas for her children after completing her medical residency abroad, and her husband
(an attorney) planned to take the New York bar) (Greer)

Adrian Omaliki Sebastian Prass, A045 869 924 (BIA Feb. 6, 2019) (IJ improperly shifted burden to
respondent to establish that he did not abandon LPR status) (Kendall Clark, Guendelsberger, Grant
(dissenting))

John Deng Wol Wol, A094 695 752 (BIA May 7, 2018) (vacates finding that pro se respondent
conceded abandoning LPR status because he did not understand the significance of his admissions)
(Pauley, Greer, Wendtland)

Marie Anne Allsopp, A036 886 149 (BIA March 6, 2018) (reverses determination that respondent
intended to abandon LPR status in light of numerous subsequent admissions in non-immigrant
status, attempts to reacquire LPR status through congressman, and attempt to obtain labor
certification) (Cole, Wendtland, Pauley (dissenting)

Jin Soo Lee, A043 345 619 (BIA Dec. 19, 2017) (upholds finding that respondent did not abandon
LPR status where IJ credited in-court testimony over purported statements in Form I-213) (Pauley)

Amrollah Vaziri, A099 237 670 (BIA Oct. 27, 2017) (upholds finding that respondent did not abandon
LPR status where intended to return to United States and was precluded from leaving Iran due to
medical issues and family obligations) (Greer, Adkins-Blanch, Wendtland)

Ka I Lei, A046 594 161 (BIA March 8, 2017) (reverses finding of abandonment following 33-month
departure because DHS failed to demonstrate that respondent lacked continuous intent to return;
facts of case warrant deviation from general principle that parent’s intent to abandon LPR status
may be imputed to unemancipated minor) (Greer, Wendtland, Cole (dissenting))

Irene O. Atseyinku, A058 536 724 (BIA Oct. 25, 2016) (upholds finding that respondent abandoned
LPR status based on lengthy trips abroad and insignificance of contacts in United States) (Greer,
Pauley, Wendtland (dissenting))

Yusniel Michel Arias Rodriguez, A098 308 637 (BIA Nov. 16, 2015) (remands for further

YOU MUST PURCHASE THIS DOCUMENT TO READ BEYOND THIS POINT

You might also like