Board of Immigration Appeal BIA Published Cases


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B-Z-R-, 28 I&N Dec. 563 (A.G. 2022) ID 4045 (PDF)
(1) Matter of G‑G‑S‑, 26 I&N Dec. 339 (BIA 2014), is overruled.

(2) Immigration adjudicators may consider a respondent’s mental health in determining whether an individual, “having been convicted by a final judgment of a particularly serious crime, constitutes a danger to the community of the United States.”  8 ‍U.S.C. § ‍1158(b)(2)(A)(ii); see id § ‍1231(b)(3)(B)(ii).


GERMAN SANTOS, 28 I&N Dec. 552 (BIA 2022) ID 4044 (PDF)

(1)   Any fact that establishes or increases the permissible range of punishment for a ‍criminal offense is an “element” for purposes of the categorical approach, even if the term “element” is defined differently under State law.  Matter of Laguerre, 28 I&N Dec. 437 (BIA 2022), followed.

(2)   Title 35, section 780-113(a)(30) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, which punishes possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, is divisible with respect to the identity of the controlled substance possessed, and the respondent’s conviction under this statute is one for a controlled substance violation under section 237(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § ‍1227(a)(2)(B)(i) (2018), under the modified categorical approach.


DANG, 28 I&N Dec. 541 (BIA 2022) ID 4043 (PDF)

(1) The Supreme Court’s construction of “physical force” in Johnson v. ‍United States, 559 U.S. 133 (2010), and Stokeling v. United States, 139 S.‍ Ct. 544 (2019), controls our interpretation of 18 ‍U.S.C. § ‍16(a) (2018), which is incorporated by reference into section 237(a)(2)(E)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”), 8 U.S.C. §‍ 1227(a)(2)(E)(i) (2018); the Court’s construction of “physical force” in United States v. ‍Castleman, 572 U.S. 157 (2014), is inapplicable in this context.

(2) Because misdemeanor domestic abuse battery with child endangerment under section 14:35.3(I) of the Louisiana Statutes extends to mere offensive touching, it is overbroad with respect to § 16(a) and therefore is not categorically a crime of domestic violence under section 237(a)(2)(E)(i) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. § ‍1227(a)(2)(E)(i).


DINGUS, 28 I&N Dec. 529 (BIA 2022) ID 4042 (PDF)

(1) If a State court’s nunc pro tunc order modifies or amends the subject matter of a ‍conviction based on a procedural or substantive defect in the underlying criminal proceedings, the original conviction is invalid for immigration purposes and we will give full effect to the modified conviction; however, if the modification or amendment is entered for reasons unrelated to the merits of the underlying proceedings, the modification will not be given any effect and the original conviction remains valid.  Matter of Pickering, 23 I&N Dec. 621 (BIA 2003), rev’d on other grounds, Pickering v. ‍Gonzales, 465 F.3d 263 (6th Cir. 2006), followed.

(2) Section 18.2-248 of the Virginia Code, which criminalizes the distribution of a ‍controlled substance, is divisible with respect to the identity of the specific “controlled substance” involved in a violation of that statute.


S. WONG, 28 I&N Dec. 518 (BIA 2022) ID 4041 (PDF)

A finding of guilt in a proceeding that affords defendants all of the constitutional rights of criminal procedure that are applicable without limitation and that are incorporated against the States under the Fourteenth Amendment is a “conviction” for immigration purposes under section 101(a)(48)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § ‍1101(a)(48)(A) (2018).  Matter of Eslamizar, 23 I&N Dec. 684 (BIA 2004), clarified.


C. MORGAN, 28 I&N Dec. 508 (BIA 2022) ID 4040 (PDF)

Larceny in the third degree under section 53a-124(a) of the Connecticut General Statutes is not a theft offense aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(G) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(G) (2018), because it incorporates by reference a definition of “larceny” under section 53a-119 of the Connecticut General Statutes that is overbroad and indivisible with respect to the generic definition of a theft offense.  Almeida v. Holder, 588 F.3d 778 (2d Cir. 2009), and Abimbola v. Ashcroft, 378 ‍F.3d 173 (2d Cir. 2004), not followed.


M-M-A-, 28 I&N Dec. 494 (BIA 2022) ID 4039 (PDF)

When the Department of Homeland Security raises the mandatory bar for filing a frivolous asylum application under section 208(d)(6) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 ‍U.S.C. § ‍1158(d)(6) (2018), an Immigration Judge must make sufficient findings of fact and conclusions of law on whether the requirements for a frivolousness determination under Matter of Y‑L‑, 24 I&N Dec. 151 (BIA 2007), have been met.


T-C-A-, 28 I&N Dec. 472 (BIA 2022) ID 4038 (PDF)

An applicant for adjustment of status under section 209(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1159(b) (2018), must possess asylee status at the time of adjustment, and thus an applicant whose asylee status has been terminated cannot adjust to lawful permanent resident status under this provision.


F-R-A-, 28 I&N Dec. 460  (BIA 2022) ID 4037 (PDF)

The amount of forfeiture ordered in a criminal proceeding may be considered in determining whether a crime of fraud or deceit resulted in a loss to a victim or victims exceeding $10,000 pursuant to section 101(a)(43)(M)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(M)(i) (2018), if the amount set forth in the order is sufficiently tethered and traceable to the conduct of conviction.


KOAT, 28 I&N Dec. 450  (BIA 2022) ID 4036 (PDF)

Section 714.1 of the Iowa Code is divisible with respect to whether a violation of the statute involved theft by taking without consent or theft by fraud or deceit, permitting an Immigration Judge to review the conviction record under a modified categorical approach to determine whether the violation involved aggravated felony theft as defined in section 101(a)(43)(G) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(G) (2018).


LAGUERRE, 28 I&N Dec. 437 (BIA 2022) ID 4035 (PDF)

Because the identity of the “controlled dangerous substance” possessed is an element of the crime of possession of a controlled dangerous substance under section 2C:35-10(a)(1) of the New Jersey Statutes Annotated, the statute is divisible with respect to the specific substance possessed, and the record of conviction can be examined under the modified categorical approach to determine whether that substance is a controlled substance under Federal law.


LAPARRA, 28 I&N Dec. 425 (BIA 2022) ID 4034 (PDF)
A respondent receives sufficient written notice to support the entry of an in absentia order of removal, even if he or she was served with a noncompliant notice to appear that did not specify the time or place of the hearing, where the respondent was properly served with a statutorily compliant notice of hearing specifying this information. Niz-Chavez v. Garland, 141 S. Ct. 1474 (2021), distinguished. Matter of Pena-Mejia, 27 I&N Dec. 546 (BIA 2019), and Matter of Miranda-Cordiero, 27 I&N Dec. 551 (BIA 2019), reaffirmed.


B-Z-R-, 28 I&N Dec. 424 (A.G. 2021) ID 4033 (PDF)

The Attorney General referred the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals to himself for review of issues relating to whether mental health may be considered when determining whether an individual was convicted of a “particularly serious crime” within the meaning of 8 U.S.C. §§ 1158(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 1231(b)(3)(B)(ii).


A. VALENZUELA, 28 I&N Dec. 418 (BIA 2021) ID 4032 (PDF)
The respondent’s conviction for carjacking under section 215(a) of the California Penal Code is categorically a conviction for an aggravated felony crime of violence under section 101(a)(43)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(F) (2018).


M-F-O-, 28 I&N Dec. 408 (BIA 2021) ID 4031 (PDF)

A notice to appear that does not specify the time or place of a respondent’s initial removal hearing does not end the accrual of physical presence for purposes of voluntary departure at the conclusion of removal proceedings under section 240B(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229c(b) (2018), even if the respondent is later served with a notice of hearing specifying this information.  Posos‑Sanchez v.‍ Garland, 3 F.4th 1176 (9th Cir. 2021), followed.  Matter of Viera‑Garcia and Ordonez‑Viera, 28 I&N Dec. 223 (BIA 2021), overruled in part.


KAGUMBAS, 28 I&N Dec. 400 (BIA 2021) ID 4030 (PDF)

An Immigration Judge has the authority to inquire into the bona fides of a marriage when considering an application for adjustment of status under section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1255(a) (2018).


NEGUSIE, 28 I&N Dec. 399 (A.G. 2021) ID 4029 (PDF)
Pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(h)(1)(i), I direct the Board of Immigration Appeals (“Board”) to refer this case to me for review of its decision. The Board’s decision in this matter is automatically stayed pending my review. See Matter of Haddam, A.G. Order No. 2380-2001 (Jan. 19, 2001).


ARAMBULA-BRAVO, 28 I&N Dec. 388 (BIA 2021) ID 4028 (PDF)

(1)  A Notice to Appear that does not specify the time and place of a respondent’s initial removal hearing does not deprive the Immigration Judge of jurisdiction over the respondent’s removal proceedings.  Pereira v. Sessions, 138 S. Ct. 2105 (2018), and ‍Niz-Chavez v. Garland, 141 S. Ct. 1474 (2021), distinguished; Matter of Bermudez-‍Cota, 27 I&N Dec. 441 (BIA 2018), and Matter of Rosales Vargas and Rosales Rosales, 27 I&N Dec. 745 (BIA 2020), followed.

(2)  A Notice to Appear that lacks the time and place of a respondent’s initial removal hearing constitutes a “charging document” as defined in 8 C.F.R. § 1003.13 (2021), and is sufficient to terminate a noncitizen’s grant of parole under 8 C.F.R. § ‍212.5(e)(2)(i) (2021).


N-V-G-, 28 I&N Dec. 380 (BIA 2021) ID 4027 (PDF)

A person who enters the United States as a refugee and later adjusts in the United States to lawful permanent resident status is not precluded from establishing eligibility for a waiver of inadmissibility under section 212(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 ‍U.S.C. § ‍1182(h) (2018), based on a conviction for an aggravated felony, because he or she has not “previously been admitted to the United States as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence” under that provision.


HERNANDEZ-ROMERO, 28 I&N Dec. 374 (BIA 2021) ID 4026 (PDF)

Section 240A(c)(6) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(c)(6) (2018), bars an applicant, who has previously been granted special rule cancellation of removal under the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act, Pub. L. No. 105-100, tit. II, 111 Stat. 2160, 2193, 2198 (1997), amended by Pub. L. No. 105-139, 111 Stat. 2644 (1997), from applying for cancellation of removal under section 240A(a) or (b)(1) of the Act.


AGUILAR-BARAJAS, 28 I&N Dec. 354 (BIA 2021) ID 4025 (PDF)

(1) The offense of aggravated statutory rape under section 39-13-506(c) of the Tennessee Code Annotated is categorically a “crime of child abuse” within the meaning of section 237(a)(2)(E)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(E)(i) (2018).

(2) The Supreme Court’s holding that a statutory rape offense does not qualify as “sexual abuse of a minor” based solely on the age of the participants, unless it involves a victim under 16, does not affect our definition of a “crime of child abuse” in Matter of Velazquez‑Herrera, 24 I&N Dec. 503 (BIA 2008), nor does it control whether the respondent’s statutory rape offense falls within this definition.  Esquivel‑Quintana v. ‍Sessions, 137 S. ‍Ct. 1562 (2017), distinguished.


A-C-A-A-, 28 I&N Dec. 351 (A.G. 2021) ID 4024 (PDF)
(1) Matter of A-C-A-A-, 28 I&N Dec. 84 (A.G. 2020) (“A-C-A-A- I”), is vacated in its entirety.  Immigration judges and the Board should no longer follow A-C-A-A- I in pending or future cases and should conduct proceedings consistent with this opinion and the opinions in Matter of L-E-A-‍, 28 I&N Dec. 304 (A.G. 2021) (“L‑E‑A‑ III”), and Matter of A-B-, 28 I&N Dec. 307 (A.G. 2021) (“A‑B- III”).

(2) The Board’s longstanding review practices that A-C-A-A- I apparently prohibited, including its case-by-case discretion to rely on immigration court stipulations, are restored.


O-R-E-, 28 I&N Dec. 330 (BIA 2021) ID 4023 (PDF)

(1) Immigration Judges and the Board lack the authority to recognize the equitable defense of laches in removal proceedings.

(2) The respondent’s willful misrepresentations regarding his name, location of his residence, timing of his departure from Rwanda, and membership in political organizations on his Registration for Classification as Refugee (Form I-590) and supporting documents were “material” within the meaning of section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8‍ U.S.C. § ‍1182(a)(6)(C)(i) (2018), and he is therefore removable under section 237(a)(1)(A) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § ‍1227(a)(1)(A) (2018).

(3) The evidence indicates that the respondent ordered, incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the Rwandan genocide, and he did not produce sufficient countervailing evidence to demonstrate that he is not subject to the genocide bar at section 212(a)(3)(E)(ii) of the Act.


CRUZ-VALDEZ, 28 I&N Dec. 326 (A.G. 2021) ID 4022 (PDF)

(1) Matter of Castro‑Tum, 27 I&N Dec. 271 (A.G. 2018), is overruled in its entirety.

(2) While rulemaking proceeds and except when a court of appeals has held otherwise, immigration judges and the Board should apply the standard for administrative closure set out in Matter of Avetisyan, 25 I&N Dec. 688 (BIA 2012), and Matter of W‑Y‑U‑, 27 I&N Dec. 17 (BIA 2017).


S-L-H- & L-B-L-, 28 I&N Dec. 318 (BIA 2021) ID 4021 (PDF)

(1) Immigration Judges may exercise their discretion to rescind an in absentia removal order and grant reopening where an alien has established through corroborating evidence that his or her late arrival at a removal hearing was due to “exceptional circumstances” under section 240(e)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 ‍U.S.C. § 1229a(e)(1) (2018), and, in doing so, should consider factors such as the extent of the alien’s tardiness, whether the reasons for the alien’s tardiness are appropriately exceptional, and any other relevant factors in the totality of the circumstances.

(2) Corroborating evidence may include, but is not limited to, affidavits, traffic and weather reports, medical records, verification of the alien’s arrival time at the courtroom, and other documentation verifying the cause of the late arrival; however, general statements—without corroborative evidence documenting the cause of the tardiness—are insufficient to establish exceptional circumstances that would warrant reopening removal proceedings.  Matter of S-A-, 21 I&N Dec. 1050 (BIA 1997), reaffirmed and clarified.


MORADEL, 28 I&N Dec. 310  (BIA 2021) ID 4020 (PDF)

(1) An applicant for adjustment of status with Special Immigrant Juvenile status may, in conjunction with a waiver under section 245(h)(2)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1255(h)(2)(B) (2018), seek to waive his or her inadmissibility under section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § ‍1182(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) (2018), based on a single offense of simple possession of 30 ‍grams or less of marijuana.

(2) The “simple possession” exception at section 245(h)(2)(B) calls for a ‍circumstance‑specific inquiry into the nature of the conduct surrounding an applicant’s simple possession offense.


A-B-, 28 I&N Dec. 307 (A.G. 2021) ID 4019 (PDF)

(1) Matter of A-B-, 27 I&N Dec. 316 (A.G. 2018) (“A-B- I”), and Matter of A-B-, 28 I&N Dec. 199 (A.G. 2021) (“A-B- II”), are vacated in their entirety.

(2) Immigration judges and the Board should no longer follow A-B- I or A-B- II when adjudicating pending or future cases. Instead, pending forthcoming rulemaking, immigration judges and the Board should follow pre-A-B- I precedent, including Matter of A-R-C-G-, 26 I&N Dec. 388 (BIA 2014).


L-E-A-, 28 I&N Dec. 304 (A.G. 2021) ID 4018 (PDF)

(1) Matter of L-E-A-, 27 I&N Dec. 581 (A.G. 2019) (“L-E-A- II”), is vacated in its entirety so as to return the immigration system to the preexisting state of affairs pending completion of the ongoing rulemaking process and the issuance of a final rule addressing the definition of “particular social group.”

(2) Immigration judges and the Board should no longer follow L-E-A- II when adjudicating pending and future cases.


D-G-C-, 28 I&N Dec. 297 (BIA 2021) ID 4017 (PDF)

The mere continuation of an activity in the United States that is substantially similar to the activity from which an initial claim of past persecution is alleged and that does not significantly increase the risk of future harm is insufficient to establish “changed circumstances” to excuse an untimely asylum application within the meaning of section 208(a)(2)(D) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1158(a)(2)(D) (2018).


MENSAH, 28 I&N Dec. 288 (BIA 2021) ID 4016 (PDF)

An Immigration Judge may rely on fraud or a willful misrepresentation of a material fact made by an alien during an interview before the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to remove the conditional basis of an alien’s permanent resident status in assessing whether the alien has demonstrated, for purposes of adjustment of status in removal proceedings, that she is not inadmissible under section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 ‍U.S.C. § 1182(a)(6)(C)(i) (2018).


A-S-M-, 28 I&N Dec. 282 (BIA 2021) ID 4015 (PDF)

Where the Department of Homeland Security states that an applicant may be removed to a country pursuant to section 241(b)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § ‍1231(b)(2) (2018), the applicant may seek withholding of removal from that country in withholding-only proceedings, even if that country is different from the country of removal that was originally designated in the reinstated removal order on which the withholding‑only proceedings are based.


VUCETIC, 28 I&N Dec. 276 (BIA 2021) ID 4014 (PDF)

The offense of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first degree in violation of section 511(3)(a)(i) of the New York Vehicle and Traffic Law, which prohibits a person from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs while knowing or having reason to know that his or her license is suspended, is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude. Matter of Lopez-Meza, 22 I&N Dec. 1188 (BIA 1999), followed.


AL SABSABI, 28 I&N Dec. 269 (BIA 2021) ID 4013 (PDF)

(1) The “offense clause” of the Federal conspiracy statute, 18 U.S.C. § 371 (2012), is divisible and the underlying substantive crime is an element of the offense.

(2) Because the substantive offense underlying the respondent’s Federal conspiracy conviction—namely, selling counterfeit currency in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 473 (2012)—is a crime involving moral turpitude, his conviction for conspiring to commit this offense is likewise one for a crime involving moral turpitude.


AGUILAR-MENDEZ, 28 I&N Dec. 262 (BIA 2021) ID 4012 (PDF)

The respondent’s conviction for assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury in violation of section 245(a)(4) of the California Penal Code is categorically one for a crime involving moral turpitude. Matter of Wu, 27 I&N Dec. 8 (BIA 2017), followed.


NEMIS, 28 I&N Dec. 250 (BIA 2021) ID 4011 (PDF)

(1) Applying the categorical approach, the conspiracy statute, 18 U.S.C. § 371 (2012), is overbroad relative to the generic definition of a crime involving moral turpitude, and divisible between the offense clause, which may or may not involve moral turpitude, and the defraud clause of the statute, which is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude.

(2) To determine whether a conspiracy conviction under the offense clause of 18 U.S.C. § 371 constitutes a crime involving moral turpitude, the underlying statute of conviction should be examined under the categorical, and if applicable, modified categorical approach.

(3) The respondent’s conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1546(a) (2012), punishing fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents, is overbroad and divisible such that the modified categorical approach is applicable and it was proper to consider the conviction records. Matter of Serna, 20 I&N Dec. 579 (BIA 1992), clarified.

(4) The respondent’s conviction for conspiracy to commit visa fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 and 1546(a) is a conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude under the modified categorical approach.


L-L-P-, 28 I&N Dec. 241 (BIA 2021) ID 4010 (PDF)

An applicant for special rule cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(2) (2018), based on spousal abuse must demonstrate both that the abuser was his or her lawful spouse and possessed either United States citizenship or lawful permanent resident status at the time of the abuse.


 H-L-S-A-, 28 I&N Dec. 228 (BIA 2021) ID 4009 (PDF)

Individuals who cooperate with law enforcement may constitute a valid particular social group under the Immigration and Nationality Act if their cooperation is public in nature, particularly where testimony was given in public court proceedings, and the evidence in the record reflects that the society in question recognizes and provides protection for such cooperation.


VIERA-GARCIA and ORDONEZ-VIERA, 28 I&N Dec. 223 (BIA 2021) ID 4008 (PDF)

Where a notice to appear fails to specify the time or place of a respondent’s initial removal hearing, the subsequent service of a notice of hearing specifying this information perfects the notice to appear and ends the accrual of physical presence for purposes of voluntary departure at the conclusion of removal proceedings pursuant to section 240B(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229c(b) (2018).


DIKHTYAR, 28 I&N Dec. 214 (BIA 2021) ID 4007 (PDF)

Section 58-37-8(2)(a)(i) of the Utah Code, which criminalizes possession or use of a controlled substance, is divisible with respect to the identity of the specific “controlled substance” involved in a violation of that statute.


A-B-, 28 I&N Dec. 199 (A.G. 2021) ID 4006 (PDF)

(1) Matter of A-B-, 27 I&N Dec. 316 (A.G. 2018), did not alter the existing standard for determining whether a government is "unwilling or unable" to prevent persecution by non-governmental actors. The "complete helplessness" language used in Matter of A-B- is consistent with the longstanding "unable or unwilling" standard, as the two are interchangeable formulations.

(2) The concept of "persecution" under the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §§ 1101(a)(42)(A), 1158(b)(1)(a), (b)(i), is premised on a breach of a home country’s duty to protect its citizens. In cases where an asylum applicant is the victim of violence or threats by non-governmental actors, and the applicant’s home government has made efforts to prevent such violence or threats, failures in particular cases or high levels of crime do not establish a breach of the government’s duty to protect its citizenry.

(3) The two-pronged test articulated by the Board of Immigration Appeals in Matter of L-E-A-, 27 I&N Dec. 40, 43–44 (BIA 2017), is the proper approach for determining whether a protected ground is "at least one central reason" for an asylum applicant’s persecution, 8 U.S.C. § 1158(b)(1)(B)(i). Under this test, the protected ground: (1) must be a but-for cause of the wrongdoer’s act; and (2) must play more than a minor role—in other words, it cannot be incidental or tangential to another reason for the act.


O-M-O-, 28 I&N Dec. 191 (BIA 2021) ID 4005 (PDF)

An Immigration Judge may find a document to be fraudulent without forensic analysis or other expert testimony where the document contains obvious defects or readily identifiable hallmarks of fraud and the party submitting the document is given an opportunity to explain the defects.


RIVERA-MENDOZA, 28 I&N Dec. 184 (BIA 2020) ID 4004 (PDF)

The risk of harm to a child required to obtain a conviction for child neglect in the second degree under section 163.545(1) of the Oregon Revised Statutes is sufficiently high that the offense is categorically a “crime of child abuse, child neglect, or child abandonment” under section 237(a)(2)(E)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(E)(i) (2018).


M-A-M-Z-, 28 I&N Dec. 173 (BIA 2020) ID 4003 (PDF)

(1) Expert testimony is evidence, but only an Immigration Judge makes factual findings.

(2)  When the Immigration Judge makes a factual finding that is not consistent with an expert’s opinion, it is important, as the Immigration Judge did here, to explain the reasons behind the factual findings.


MELGAR, 28 I&N Dec. 169 (BIA 2020) ID 4002 (PDF)

(1) Counsel’s acceptance of responsibility for error does not discharge the disciplinary authority complaint obligation under Matter of Lozada, 19 I&N Dec. 637 (BIA 1988), particularly where the ineffective assistance allegation is rendered by the same attorney against himself.

(2) A respondent seeking reopening on the basis of a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel must show a reasonable probability that, but for counsel’s error, he would have prevailed on his claim.


PADILLA RODRIGUEZ, 28 I&N Dec. 164 (BIA 2020) ID 4001 (PDF)

(1) Where the temporary protected status (“TPS”) of an alien who was previously present in the United States without being admitted or paroled is terminated, the alien remains inadmissible under section 212(a)(6)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8‍ U.S.C. §‍ 1182(a)(6)(A)(i) (2018), and removal proceedings should not be terminated.

(2) An alien whose TPS continues to be valid is considered to be “admitted” for purposes of establishing eligibility for adjustment of status only within the jurisdictions of the United States Courts of Appeals for the Sixth, Eighth, and Ninth Circuits.


H-Y-Z-, 28 I&N Dec. 156 (BIA 2020) ID 4000 (PDF)

Absent a showing of prejudice on account of ineffective assistance of counsel, or a showing that clearly undermines the validity and finality of the finding, it is inappropriate for the Board to favorably exercise our discretion to reopen a case and vacate an Immigration Judge’s frivolousness finding.


NEGUSIE, 28 I&N Dec. 120 (A.G. 2020) ID 3999 (PDF)

(1) The bar to eligibility for asylum and withholding of removal based on the persecution of others does not include an exception for coercion or duress.

(2) The Department of Homeland Security does not have an evidentiary burden to show that an applicant is ineligible for asylum and withholding of removal based on the persecution of others. If evidence in the record indicates the persecutor bar may apply, the applicant bears the burden of proving by a preponderance of the evidence that it does not.


PAK, 28 I&N Dec. 113 (BIA 2020) ID 3998 (PDF)

Where there is substantial and probative evidence that a beneficiary’s prior marriage was fraudulent and entered into for the purpose of evading the immigration laws, a subsequent visa petition filed on the beneficiary’s behalf is properly denied pursuant to section 204(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1154(c) (2018), even if the first visa petition was denied because of insufficient evidence of a bona fide marital relationship.


VOSS, 28 I&N Dec. 107 (BIA 2020) ID 3997 (PDF)

If a criminal conviction was charged as a ground of removability or was known to the Immigration Judge at the time cancellation of removal was granted under section 240A(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(a) (2018), that conviction cannot serve as the sole factual predicate for a charge of removability in subsequent removal proceedings.


J-G-T-, 28 I&N Dec. 97 (BIA 2020) ID 3996 (PDF)

(1) In assessing whether to admit the testimony of a witness as an expert, an Immigration Judge should consider whether it is sufficiently relevant and reliable for the expert to offer an informed opinion, and if it is admitted, the Immigration Judge should then consider how much weight the testimony should receive.

(2) In considering how much weight to give an expert’s testimony, the Immigration Judge should assess how probative and persuasive the testimony is regarding key issues in dispute for which the testimony is being offered.


A-C-A-A-,  28 I&N Dec. 84  (A.G. 2020) ID 3995 (PDF)

(1) In conducting its review of an alien’s asylum claim, the Board of Immigration Appeals (“Board”) must examine de novo whether the facts found by the immigration judge satisfy all of the statutory elements of asylum as a matter of law. See Matter of R-A-F-, 27 I&N Dec. 778 (A.G. 2020).

(2) When reviewing a grant of asylum, the Board should not accept the parties’ stipulations to, or failures to address, any of the particular elements of asylum—including, where necessary, the elements of a particular social group. Instead, unless it affirms without opinion under 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(e)(4)(i), the Board should meaningfully review each element of an asylum claim before affirming such a grant, or before independently ordering a grant of asylum. See Matter of L-E-A-, 27 I&N Dec. 581, 589 (A.G. 2019).

(3) Even if an applicant is a member of a cognizable particular social group and has suffered persecution, an asylum claim should be denied if the harm inflicted or threatened by the persecutor is not “on account of” the alien’s membership in that group.  That requirement is especially important to scrutinize where the asserted particular social group encompasses many millions of persons in a particular society.  (4) An alien’s membership in a particular social group cannot be “incidental, tangential, or subordinate to the persecutor’s motivation . . . [for] why the persecutor[] sought to inflict harm.” Matter of A-B-, 27 I&N Dec. 316, 338 (A.G. 2018) (citations omitted).  Accordingly, persecution that results from personal animus or retribution generally does not support eligibility for asylum.


R-C-R-, 28 I&N Dec. 74 (BIA 2020) ID 3994 (PDF)

(1) After an Immigration Judge has set a firm deadline for filing an application for relief, the respondent’s opportunity to file the application may be deemed waived, prior to a scheduled hearing, if the deadline passes without submission of the application and no good cause for noncompliance has been shown.

(2) The respondent failed to meet his burden of establishing that he was deprived of a full and fair hearing where he has not shown that conducting the hearing by video conference interfered with his communication with the Immigration Judge or otherwise prejudiced him as a result of technical problems with the video equipment.


NIVELO CARDENAS, 28 I&N Dec. 68 (BIA 2020) ID 3993 (PDF)

(1) Where an alien who has been personally served with a notice to appear advising him of the requirement to notify the Immigration Court of his correct address fails to do so and is ordered removed in absentia for failure to appear for the scheduled hearing, reopening of the proceedings to rescind his order of removal based on a lack of proper notice is not warranted under section 240(b)(5)(C)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229a(b)(5)(C)(ii) (2018).

(2) The respondent’s failure to update his address for over 18 years indicates a lack of due diligence and may properly be found to undermine the veracity of his claim that he has taken actions to maintain his rights in the underlying removal proceedings.


REYES, 28 I&N Dec. 52 (A.G. 2020) ID 3992 (PDF)

(1) If all of the means of committing a crime, based on the elements of the statute of conviction, amount to one or more of the offenses listed in section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §1101(a)(43), then an alien who has been convicted of that crime has necessarily been convicted of an aggravated felony for purposes of the INA.

(2) The respondent’s conviction for grand larceny in the second degree under New York Penal Law § 155.40(1) qualifies as a conviction for an aggravated felony for purposes of the INA. DHS charged that the respondent had been convicted of either aggravated-felony theft or aggravated-felony fraud, as defined in section 101(a)(43)(G) and (M)(i) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(G) and (M)(i). Larceny by acquiring lost property constitutes aggravated-felony theft, and the parties do not dispute that the other means of violating the New York statute correspond to either aggravated-felony theft or aggravated-felony fraud.


P-B-B-, 28 I&N Dec. 43 (BIA 2020) ID 3991 (PDF)

Section 13-3407 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which criminalizes possession of a dangerous drug, is divisible with regard to the specific “dangerous drug” involved in a violation of that statute.


O‑F‑A‑S‑, 28 I&N Dec. 35 (A.G. 2020) ID 3990 (PDF)

(1) Under Department of Justice regulations implementing the Convention Against Torture, an act constitutes "torture" only if it is inflicted or approved by a public official or other person "acting in an official capacity." 8 C.F.R. § 1208.18(a)(1). This official capacity requirement limits the scope of the Convention to actions performed "under color of law." Matter of Y-L-, 23 I&N Dec. 270 (A.G. 2002). Nothing in Matter of Y-L-, or any other Board precedent, should be construed to endorse a distinct, "rogue official" standard.

(2) The "under color of law" standard draws no categorical distinction between the acts of low- and high-level officials. A public official, regardless of rank, acts "under color of law" when he "exercise[s] power ‘possessed by virtue of . . . law and made possible only because [he was] clothed with the authority of . . . law.’" West v. Atkins, 487 U.S. 42, 47 (1988) (quoting United States v. Classic, 313 U.S. 299, 326 (1941)).


M-D-C-V-, 28 I&N Dec. 18 (BIA 2020) ID 3989 (PDF)

Under section 235(b)(2)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1225(b)(2)(C) (2018), an alien who is arriving on land from a contiguous foreign territory may be returned by the Department of Homeland Security to that country pursuant to the Migrant Protection Protocols, regardless of whether the alien arrives at or between a designated port of entry.


BAY AREA LEGAL SERVICES, INC., 28 I&N Dec. 16 (DIR 2020) ID 3988 (PDF)

An amicus curiae is not a party in recognition and accreditation proceedings and has no authority to seek further action following the conclusion of an administrative review under 8 C.F.R. § 1292.18.


R. I. ORTEGA, 28 I&N Dec. 9 (BIA 2020) ID 3987 (PDF)

(1) An alien who has conspired to enter into a marriage for the purpose of evading the immigration laws by seeking to secure a K-1 fiancé(e) nonimmigrant visa is subject to the bar under section 204(c)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1154(c)(2) (2018).

(2) For purposes of section 204(c)(2) of the Act, a conspiracy requires an agreement to enter into a marriage for the purpose of evading the immigration laws and an overt act in furtherance of that agreement.


A-M-R-C-, 28 I&N Dec. 7 (A.G. 2020) ID 3986 (PDF)

The Attorney General referred the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals to himself for review of issues relating to the effect of timing of referral; whether the Board applied the correct legal standard and properly exercised its discretion in deciding issues related to the serious nonpolitical crime bar and the persecutor bar; and whether the Board applied the correct standard for determining whether a respondent’s in absentia trial suffered from due process problems.


F-S-N-, 28 I&N Dec. 1 (BIA 2020) ID 3985 (PDF)

To prevail on a motion to reopen alleging changed country conditions where the persecution claim was previously denied based on an adverse credibility finding in the underlying proceedings, the respondent must either overcome the prior determination or show that the new claim is independent of the evidence that was found to be not credible.

BAY AREA LEGAL SERVICES, INC., 27 I&N Dec. 837 (DIR 2020)

ID 3984 (PDF)

(1) The Assistant Director for Policy has the discretion to extend the deadline for a request for reconsideration made pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1292.13(e), but not for a request for reconsideration made pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1292.16(f) or § 1292.17(d). The 30-day deadline for a request for reconsideration in 8 C.F.R. § 1292.13(e), § 1292.16(f), and § 1292.17(d) is otherwise mandatory and not subject to equitable tolling.

(2) A request for reconsideration made pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1292.13(e), § 1292.16(f), or § 1292.17(d) must demonstrate an error of fact or law in the previous decision.

(3) The standard of review for administrative reviews conducted under 8 C.F.R. § 1292.18 is de novo.

(4) Unless overruled by subsequent precedent or superseded by statute, regulation, or binding federal court decision, prior precedent decisions of the Board of Immigration Appeals remain binding in recognition and accreditation proceedings after January 18, 2017, including consideration of requests for reconsideration pursuant to 8 C.F.R. §§ 1292.13(e), 1292.16(f), or 1292.17(d) and administrative reviews conducted under 8 C.F.R. § 1292.18.

(5) In addition to establishing the requirements for partial accreditation, an organization seeking full accreditation for an individual pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1292.12(a)(6) must establish that the individual possesses "skills essential for effective litigation." Such skills include, at a minimum, "the ability to advocate a client's position at a hearing before an Immigration Judge by presenting documentary evidence and questioning witnesses, to present oral arguments before the Board, and to prepare motions and briefs for consideration by an Immigration Judge and/or [the] Board." Matter of EAC, Inc., 24 I&N Dec. 556 (BIA 2008), followed.


HERRERA-VASQUEZ, 27 I&N Dec. 825 (BIA 2020) ID 3983 (PDF)

The absence of a checked alien classification box on a Notice to Appear (Form I-862) does not, by itself, render the notice to appear fatally deficient or otherwise preclude an Immigration Judge from exercising jurisdiction over removal proceedings, and it is therefore not a basis to terminate the proceedings of an alien who has been returned to Mexico under the Migrant Protection Protocols. Matter of J.J. Rodriguez, 27 I&N Dec. 762 (BIA 2020), followed.


K-S-E-, 27 I&N Dec. 818 (BIA 2020) ID 3982 (PDF)

For purposes of determining whether an alien is subject to the firm resettlement bar to asylum, a viable and available offer to apply for permanent residence in a country of refuge is not negated by the alien’s unwillingness or reluctance to satisfy the terms for acceptance.


J-J-G-, 27 I&N Dec. 808 (BIA 2020) ID 3981 (PDF)

(1) The exceptional and extremely unusual hardship for cancellation of removal is based on a cumulative consideration of all hardship factors, but to the extent that a claim is based on the health of a qualifying relative, an applicant needs to establish that the relative has a serious medical condition and, if he or she is accompanying the applicant to the country of removal, that adequate medical care for the claimed condition is not reasonably available in that country.

(2) The Immigration Judge properly determined that the respondent did not establish eligibility for cancellation of removal because he did not demonstrate that his qualifying relatives will experience hardship, including medical, economic, and emotional hardship, that rises to the level of exceptional and extremely unusual.


R-A-V-P-, 27 I&N Dec. 803 (BIA 2020) ID 3980 (PDF)

The Immigration Judge properly determined that the respondent was a flight risk and denied his request for a custody redetermination where, although he had a pending application for asylum, he had no family, employment, or community ties and no probable path to obtain lawful status so as to warrant his release on bond.


W-E-R-B-, 27 I&N Dec. 795 (BIA 2020) ID 3979 (PDF)

(1) An Interpol Red Notice may constitute reliable evidence that indicates the serious nonpolitical crime bar for asylum and withholding of removal applies to an alien.

(2) The respondent’s violation of article 345 of the Salvadoran Penal Code, which proscribes participation in an illicit organization whose purpose is the commission of crimes, was “serious” within the meaning of the serious nonpolitical crime bar.


JIMENEZ-CEDILLO, 27 IN Dec. 782 (BIA 2020) ID 3978 (PDF)

Sexual solicitation of a minor in violation of section 3-324(b) of the Maryland Criminal Law with the intent to engage in an unlawful sexual offense under section 3-307 is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude. Matter of Jimenez-Cedillo, 27 I&N Dec. 1 (BIA 2017), reaffirmed.


R‑A‑F‑ , 27 I&N Dec. 778 (A.G. 2020) ID 3977 (PDF)

(1) The Board of Immigration Appeals should consider de novo the application of law to the facts of this case, including whether the deprivations that the respondent would be likely to encounter upon removal to Mexico would constitute "torture" within the meaning of the Department of Justice regulations implementing the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Dec. 10, 1984, S. Treaty Doc. No. 100-20, 1465 U.N.T.S. 85 (entered into force for United States Nov. 20, 1994).

(2) To constitute "torture" under these regulations, an act must, among other things, "be specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering." 8 C.F.R. § 1208.18(a)(5). "‘[T]orture’ does not cover ‘negligent acts’ or harm stemming from a lack of resources." Matter of J-R-G-P-, 27 I&N Dec. 482, 484 (BIA 2018) (citing Matter of J-E-, 23 I&N Dec. 291, 299, 301 (BIA 2002)).

(3) To constitute "torture," an act must also be motivated by "such purposes as obtaining from him or her or a third person information or a confession, punishing him or her for an act he or she or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or her or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind." 8 C.F.R. § 1208.18(a)(1).


E-R-A-L- 27 I&N Dec. 767 (BIA 2020) ID 3976 (PDF)

(1) An alien’s status as a landowner does not automatically render that alien a member of a particular social group for purposes of asylum and withholding of removal.

(2) To establish a particular social group based on landownership, an alien must demonstrate by evidence in the record that members of the proposed group share an immutable characteristic and that the group is defined with particularity and is perceived to be socially distinct in the society in question.

(3) The respondent’s proposed particular social groups—comprised of landowners and landowners who resist drug cartels in Guatemala—are not valid based on the evidence in the record.


J.J. RODRIGUEZ, 27 I&N Dec. 762 (BIA 2020) ID 3975 (PDF)

Where the Department of Homeland Security returns an alien to Mexico to await an immigration hearing pursuant to the Migrant Protection Protocols and provides the alien with sufficient notice of that hearing, an Immigration Judge should enter an in absentia order of removal if the alien fails to appear for the hearing.


L-N-Y-, 27 I&N Dec. 755 (BIA 2020)

ID 3974 (PDF)

In assessing whether to grant an alien’s request for a continuance regarding an application for collateral relief, the alien’s prima facie eligibility for relief and whether it will materially affect the outcome of proceedings are not dispositive, especially where other factors—including the uncertainty as to when the relief will be approved or become available—weigh against granting a continuance.


ROSALES VARGAS and ROSALES ROSALES, 27 I&N Dec. 745 (BIA 2020) ID 3973 (PDF)

A notice to appear that does not include the address of the Immigration Court where the Department of Homeland Security will file the charging document, see 8 C.F.R. § 1003.15(b)(6) (2019), or include a certificate of service indicating the Immigration Court in which the charging document is filed, see 8 C.F.R. § 1003.14(a) (2019), does not deprive the Immigration Court of subject matter jurisdiction.


SALAD, 27 I&N Dec. 733 (BIA 2020) ID 3972 (PDF)

The offense of making terroristic threats in violation of section 609.713, subdivision 1, of the Minnesota Statutes is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude.


Y-I-M-, 27 I&N Dec. 724 (BIA 2019)  ID 3971 (PDF)

(1)  An Immigration Judge may rely on inconsistencies to support an adverse credibility finding as long as either the Immigration Judge, the applicant, or the Department of Homeland Security has identified the discrepancies and the applicant has been given an opportunity to explain them during the hearing.

(2)  An Immigration Judge may, but is not required to, personally identify an obvious inconsistency where it is reasonable to assume that the applicant was aware of it and had an opportunity to offer an explanation before the Immigration Judge relied on it.


O-F-A-S-, 27 I&N Dec. 709 (BIA 2019)  ID 3970 (PDF)

(1) Torturous conduct committed by a public official who is acting “in an official capacity,” that is, “under color of law” is covered by the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, adopted and opened for signature Dec. 10, 1984, G.A. Res. 39/46, 39 U.N. GAOR Supp. No. 51, at 197, U.N. Doc. A/RES/39/708 (1984) (entered into force June 26, 1987; for the United States Apr. 18, 1988), but such conduct by an official who is not acting in an official capacity, also known as a “rogue official,” is not covered by the Convention.

(2) The key consideration in determining if a public official was acting under color of law is whether he was able to engage in torturous conduct because of his government position or if he could have done so without a connection to the government.


REYES, 27 I&N Dec. 708 (A.G. 2019) ID 3969 (PDF)

The Acting Attorney General referred the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals to himself for review of the following issue:

Whether an alien who has been convicted of a criminal offense necessarily has been convicted of an aggravated felony for purposes of 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(A)(iii), where all of the elements of the underlying statute of conviction, and thus all of the means of committing the offense, correspond either to an aggravated felony theft offense, as defined in 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(G), or to an aggravated felony fraud offense, as defined in 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(M)(i).


X-Q-L-, 27 I&N Dec. 704 (BIA 2019)  ID 3968 (PDF)

Reopening of proceedings to terminate a grant of asylum is warranted if the Department of Homeland Security has demonstrated that evidence of fraud in the original proceeding was not previously available and is material because, if known, it would likely have opened up lines of inquiry that could call the alien’s eligibility for asylum into doubt.


C-A-S-D-, 27 I&N Dec. 692 (BIA 2019) ID 3967 (PDF)

(1) To qualify for a waiver of inadmissibility under section 209(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1159(c) (2012), an alien who is found to be a violent or dangerous individual must establish extraordinary circumstances, which may be demonstrated by a showing of exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to the alien or to his qualifying relatives. Matter of Jean, 23 I&N Dec. 373 (A.G. 2002), followed.

(2) Even if an alien establishes exceptional and extremely unusual hardship, the favorable and adverse factors presented must be balanced to determine if a waiver should be granted in the exercise of discretion.


THOMAS and THOMPSON, 27 I&N Dec. 674 (A.G 2019) ID 3966 (PDF)

(1) The tests set forth in Matter of Cota-VargasMatter of Song, and Matter of Estrada will no longer govern the effect of state-court orders that modify, clarify, or otherwise alter a criminal alien’s sentence.

(2) Such state-court orders will be given effect for immigration purposes only if based on a procedural or substantive defect in the underlying criminal proceeding; these orders will have no effect for immigration purposes if based on reasons unrelated to the merits of the underlying criminal proceeding, such as rehabilitation or the avoidance of immigration consequences.


CASTILLO-PEREZ, 27 I&N Dec. 664 (A.G. 2019) ID 3965 (PDF)

(1) The Immigration and Nationality Act’s “good moral character” standard requires adherence to the generally accepted moral conventions of the community, and criminal activity is probative of non-adherence to those conventions.

(2) Evidence of two or more convictions for driving under the influence during the relevant period establishes a presumption that an alien lacks good moral character under INA § 101(f), 8 U.S.C. § 1101(f).

(3) Because only aliens who possessed good moral character for a 10-year period are eligible for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b), such evidence also presumptively establishes that the alien’s application for that discretionary relief should be denied.


CORDERO-GARCIA , 27 I&N Dec. 652 (BIA 2019) ID 3964 (PDF)

(1) The crime of dissuading a witness in violation of section 136.1(b)(1) of the California Penal Code is categorically an aggravated felony offense relating to obstruction of justice under section 101(a)(43)(S) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(S) (2012). Matter of Valenzuela Gallardo, 27 I&N Dec. 449 (BIA 2018), followed.

(2) The holding in Matter of Valenzuela Gallardo, 27 I&N Dec. 449 (BIA 2018), may be applied retroactively.


J-G-P-, 27 I&N Dec. 642 (BIA 2019) ID 3963 (PDF)

(1) The offense of menacing in violation of section 163.190 of the Oregon Revised Statutes is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude.

(2) The element of actual inflicted fear is not necessary to determine that a crime categorically involves moral turpitude where the State statute requires evil or malicious intent, and the level of threatened harm, or magnitude of menace implicit in the threat, is serious and immediate. Matter of Solon, 24 I&N Dec. 239 (BIA 2007), distinguished.

H-G-G-, 27 I&N Dec. 617 (AAO 2019) ID 3962 (PDF)

For purposes of adjustment of status under section 245 of the Act, a recipient of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is considered as being in and maintaining lawful status as a nonimmigrant only during the period that TPS is in effect; a grant of TPS does not constitute an admission, nor does it cure or otherwise impact any previous unlawful status.


GONZALEZ LEMUS, 27 I&N Dec. 612 (BIA 2019) ID 3961 (PDF)

(1) Because the identity of the drug involved is an element of the crime of possession of a controlled substance under section 124.401(5) of the Iowa Code, the statute is divisible (in the case of marijuana, methamphetamine, or amphetamine) as to the specific drug involved, and the record of conviction can be examined under the modified categorical approach to determine whether that drug is a controlled substance under Federal law.

(2) The respondent’s conviction for possession of methamphetamine in violation of section 124.401(5) of the Iowa Code is a violation of a law relating to a controlled substance under section 237(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(B)(i) (2012).


P. SINGH, 27 I&N Dec. 598 (BIA 2019) ID 3960 (PDF)

(1) The standard of proof necessary to bar the approval of a visa petition based on marriage fraud under section 204(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1154(c) (2012), is "substantial and probative evidence."

(2) The degree of proof necessary to constitute "substantial and probative evidence" is more than a preponderance of evidence, but less than clear and convincing evidence; that is, the evidence has to be more than probably true that the marriage is fraudulent.

(3) The nature, quality, quantity, and credibility of the evidence of marriage fraud contained in the record should be considered in its totality in determining if it is "substantial and probative."

(4) The application of the "substantial and probative evidence" standard requires the examination of all of the relevant evidence and a determination as to whether such evidence, when viewed in its totality, establishes, with sufficient probability, that the marriage is fraudulent.

(5) Both direct and circumstantial evidence may be considered in determining whether there is "substantial and probative evidence" of marriage fraud under section 204(c) of the Act, and circumstantial evidence alone may be sufficient to constitute "substantial and probative evidence."


L-E-A-, 27 I&N Dec. 581 (A.G. 2019)  ID 3959 (PDF)

(1) In Matter of L-E-A-, 27 I&N Dec. 40 (BIA 2018), the Board of Immigration Appeals improperly recognized the respondent’s father’s immediate family as a "particular social group" for purposes of qualifying for asylum under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

(2) All asylum applicants seeking to establish membership in a "particular social group," including groups defined by family or kinship ties, must establish that the group is (1) composed of members who share a common immutable characteristic; (2) defined with particularity; and (3) socially distinct within the society in question.

(3) While the Board has recognized certain clans and subclans as "particular social groups," most nuclear families are not inherently socially distinct and therefore do not qualify as "particular social groups."

(4) The portion of the Board’s decision recognizing the respondent’s proposed particular social group is overruled. See Matter of L-E-A-, 27 I&N Dec. at 42–43 (Part II.A). The rest of the Board’s decision, including its analysis of the required nexus between alleged persecution and the alleged protected ground, is affirmed. See id. at 43–47 (Part II.B).


D-A-C-, 27 I&N Dec. 575 (BIA 2019) ID 3958 (PDF)

Immigration Judges have the authority to deny an application for temporary protected status in the exercise of discretion.


ZHANG, 27 I&N Dec. 569 (BIA 2019) ID 3957 (PDF)

(1) Under the plain language of section 237(a)(3)(D)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(3)(D)(i) (2012), it is not necessary to show intent to establish that an alien is deportable for making a false representation of United States citizenship.

(2) Although a Certificate of Naturalization (Form N-550) is evidence of United States citizenship, the certificate itself does not confer citizenship status if it is acquired unlawfully.


NAVARRO GUADARRAMA, 27 I&N Dec. 560 (BIA 2019) ID 3956 (PDF)

Where an alien has been convicted of violating a State drug statute that includes a controlled substance that is not on the Federal controlled substances schedules, he or she must establish a realistic probability that the State would actually apply the language of the statute to prosecute conduct involving that substance in order to avoid the immigration consequences of such a conviction. Matter of Ferreira, 26 I&N Dec. 415 (BIA 2014), reaffirmed.


ANDRADE JASO and CARBAJAL AYALA, 27 I&N Dec. 557 (BIA 2019) ID 3955 (PDF)

An Immigration Judge has the authority to dismiss removal proceedings pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 239.2(a)(7) (2018) upon a finding that it is an abuse of the asylum process to file a meritless asylum application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for the sole purpose of seeking cancellation of removal in the Immigration Court.


THOMAS and THOMPSON, 27 I&N Dec. 556 (A.G. 2019) ID 3954 (PDF)

The Attorney General referred the decisions of the Board of Immigration Appeals to himself for review of issues relating to whether, and under what circumstances, judicial alteration of a criminal conviction or sentence—whether labeled “vacatur,” “modification,” “clarification,” or some other term—should be taken into consideration in determining the immigration consequences of the conviction.


MIRANDA-CORDIERO, 27 I&N Dec. 551 (BIA 2019) ID 3953 (PDF)

Pursuant to section 240(b)(5)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229a(b)(5)(B) (2012), neither rescission of an in absentia order of removal nor termination of the proceedings is required where an alien who was served with a notice to appear that did not specify the time and place of the initial removal hearing failed to provide an address where a notice of hearing could be sent. Pereira v. Sessions, 138 S. Ct. 2105 (2018), distinguished.


PENA-MEJIA, 27 I&N Dec. 546 (BIA 2019) ID 3952 (PDF)

Neither rescission of an in absentia order of removal nor termination of the proceedings is required where an alien did not appear at a scheduled hearing after being served with a notice to appear that did not specify the time and place of the initial removal hearing, so long as a subsequent notice of hearing specifying that information was properly sent to the alien. Pereira v. Sessions, 138 S. Ct. 2105 (2018), distinguished.


MENDOZA-HERNANDEZ and CAPULA-CORTES, 27 I&N Dec. 520 (BIA 2019) ID 3951 (PDF)

A deficient notice to appear that does not include the time and place of an alien’s initial removal hearing is perfected by the subsequent service of a notice of hearing specifying that missing information, which satisfies the notice requirements of section 239(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229(a) (2012), and triggers the “stop-time” rule of section 240A(d)(1)(A) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(d)(1)(A) (2012). Pereira v. Sessions, 138 S. Ct. 2105 (2018), distinguished; Matter of Bermudez-Cota, 27 I&N Dec. 441 (BIA 2018), followed.


M-S-, 27 I&N Dec. 509 (A.G. 2019) ID 3950 (PDF)

(1) Matter of X-K-, 23 I&N Dec. 731 (BIA 2005), was wrongly decided and is overruled.

(2) An alien who is transferred from expedited removal proceedings to full removal proceedings after establishing a credible fear of persecution or torture is ineligible for release on bond. Such an alien must be detained until his removal proceedings conclude, unless he is granted parole.


A. VASQUEZ, 27 I&N Dec. 503 (BIA 2019) ID 3949 (PDF)

Under the plain language of section 101(a)(43)(H) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(H) (2012), kidnapping in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1201(a) (2012) is not an aggravated felony.


A.J. VALDEZ and Z. VALDEZ27 I&N Dec. 496 (BIA 2018) ID 3948 (PDF)

(1) An alien makes a willful misrepresentation under section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(6)(C)(i) (2012), when he or she knows of or authorizes false statements in an application filed on the alien’s behalf.

(2) An alien’s signature on an immigration application establishes a strong presumption that he or she knows of and has assented to the contents of the application, but the alien can rebut the presumption by establishing fraud, deceit, or other wrongful acts by another person.


CASTILLO-PEREZ, 27 I&N Dec. 495 (A.G. 2018) ID 3947 (PDF)

The Acting Attorney General referred the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals to himself for review of issues relating to:

(1) In connection with an application for cancellation of removal under 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b), what is the appropriate legal standard for determining when an individual lacks “good moral character” under 8 U.S.C. § 1101(f)?

(2) What impact should multiple convictions for driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence have in determining when an individual lacks “good moral character” under 8 U.S.C. § 1101(f)?

(3) What impact should multiple such convictions have in determining whether to grant discretionary relief under 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b).

The Acting Attorney General ordered that the case be stayed during the pendency of his review.


L-E-A-, 27 I&N Dec. 494 (A.G. 2018) ID 3946 (PDF)

The Acting Attorney General referred the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals to himself for review of issues relating to whether, and under what circumstances, an alien may establish persecution on account of membership in a “particular social group” under 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(42)(A) based on the alien’s membership in a family unit, ordering that the case be stayed during the pendency of his review.


SONG, 27 I&N Dec. 488 (BIA 2018) ID 3945 (PDF)

An applicant for adjustment of status who was admitted on a K-1 visa, fulfilled the terms of the visa by marrying the petitioner, and was later divorced must submit an affidavit of support from the petitioner to establish that he or she is not inadmissible as a public charge under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(4) (2012).


J-R-G-P-, 27 I&N Dec. 482 (BIA 2018) ID 3944 (PDF)

Where the evidence regarding an application for protection under the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, adopted and opened for signature Dec. 10, 1984, G.A. Res. 39/46, 39 U.N. GAOR Supp. No. 51, at 197, U.N. Doc. A/RES/39/708 (1984) (entered into force June 26, 1987; for the United States Apr. 18, 1988), plausibly establishes that abusive or squalid conditions in pretrial detention facilities, prisons, or mental health institutions in the country of removal are the result of neglect, a lack of resources, or insufficient training and education, rather than a specific intent to cause severe pain and suffering, an Immigration Judge’s finding that the applicant did not establish a sufficient likelihood that he or she will experience "torture" in these settings is not clearly erroneous.


NEGUSIE, 27 I&N Dec. 481 (A.G. 2018)

ID 3943 (PDF)

The Attorney General referred the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals to himself for review of issues relating to whether coercion and duress are relevant to the application of the Immigration and Nationality Act’s persecutor bar. See 8 U.S.C. §§ 1101(a)(42), 1158(b)(2)(A)(i), 1231(b)(3)(B)(i)(2012).


M-A-C-O-, 27 I&N Dec. 477 (BIA 2018) ID 3942 (PDF)

An Immigration Judge has initial jurisdiction over an asylum application filed by a respondent who was previously determined to be an unaccompanied alien child but who turned 18 before filing the application.


M-S-, 27 I&N Dec. 476  (A.G. 2018)

ID 3941 (PDF)

The Attorney General referred the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals to himself for review of issues relating to the authority to hold bond hearings for certain aliens screened for expedited removal proceedings, ordering that the case be stayed during the pendency of his review.


M-G-G-, 27 I&N Dec. 475  (A.G. 2018) ID 3940 (PDF)

The Attorney General referred the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals to himself for review. As the respondent had been removed and was no longer in the United States, the Attorney General decided not to review the Board’s determination that the respondent was eligible to be released on bond. The Attorney General remanded the case to the Board for any administrative action the Board deems necessary.


VELASQUEZ-RIOS, 27 I&N Dec. 470 (BIA 2018)

 ID 3939 (PDF)

The amendment to section 18.5 of the California Penal Code, which retroactively lowered the maximum possible sentence that could have been imposed for an alien’s State offense from 365 days to 364 days, does not affect the applicability of section 237(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(A)(i)(II) (2012), to a past conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude "for which a sentence of one year or longer may be imposed."


M-G-G-, 27 I&N Dec. 469 (A.G. 2018) ID 3938 (PDF)

The Attorney General referred the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals to himself for review of issues relating to the authority to hold bond hearings for certain aliens screened for expedited removal proceedings, ordering that the case be stayed during the pendency of his review.


S-O-G- & F-D-B-, 27 I&N Dec. 462 (A.G. 2018) ID 3937 (PDF)

(1) Consistent with Matter of Castro-Tum, 27 I&N Dec. 271 (A.G. 2018), immigration judges have no inherent authority to terminate or dismiss removal proceedings.

(2) Immigration judges may dismiss or terminate removal proceedings only under the circumstances expressly identified in the regulations, see 8 C.F.R. § 1239.2(c), (f), or where the Department of Homeland Security fails to sustain the charges of removability against a respondent, see 8 C.F.R. § 1240.12(c).

(3) An immigration judge’s general authority to "take any other action consistent with applicable law and regulations as may be appropriate," 8 C.F.R. § 1240.1(a)(1)(iv), does not provide any additional authority to terminate or dismiss removal proceedings beyond those authorities expressly set out in the relevant regulations.

(4) To avoid confusion, immigration judges and the Board should recognize and maintain the distinction between a dismissal under 8 C.F.R. § 1239.2(c) and a termination under 8 C.F.R. § 1239.2(f).


VALENZUELA GALLARDO, 27 I&N Dec. 449 (BIA 2018) ID 3936 (PDF)

(1) An "offense relating to obstruction of justice" under section 101(a)(43)(S) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(S) (2012), encompasses offenses covered by chapter 73 of the Federal criminal code, 18 U.S.C. §§ 1501–1521 (2012), or any other Federal or State offense that involves (1) an affirmative and intentional attempt (2) that is motivated by a specific intent (3) to interfere either in an investigation or proceeding that is ongoing, pending, or reasonably foreseeable by the defendant, or in another’s punishment resulting from a completed proceeding. Matter of Valenzuela Gallardo, 25 I&N Dec. 838 (BIA 2012), clarified.

(2) A conviction for accessory to a felony under section 32 of the California Penal Code that results in a term of imprisonment of at least 1 year is a conviction for an aggravated felony offense relating to obstruction of justice under section 101(a)(43)(S) of the Act.


BERMUDEZ-COTA, 27 I&N Dec. 441 (BIA 2018) ID 3935 (PDF)

A notice to appear that does not specify the time and place of an alien’s initial removal hearing vests an Immigration Judge with jurisdiction over the removal proceedings and meets the requirements of section 239(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229(a) (2012), so long as a notice of hearing specifying this information is later sent to the alien. Pereira v. Sessions, 138 S. Ct. 2105 (2018), distinguished.


J. M. ACOSTA, 27 I&N Dec. 420 (BIA 2018) ID 3934 (PDF)

(1) A conviction does not attain a sufficient degree of finality for immigration purposes until the right to direct appellate review on the merits of the conviction has been exhausted or waived.

(2) Once the Department of Homeland Security has established that a respondent has a criminal conviction at the trial level and that the time for filing a direct appeal has passed, a presumption arises that the conviction is final for immigration purposes, which the respondent can rebut with evidence that an appeal has been filed within the prescribed deadline, including any extensions or permissive filings granted by the appellate court, and that the appeal relates to the issue of guilt or innocence or concerns a substantive defect in the criminal proceedings.

(3) Appeals, including direct appeals, and collateral attacks that do not relate to the underlying merits of a conviction will not be given effect to eliminate the finality of the conviction.


L-A-B-R- et al., 27 I&N Dec. 405 (A.G. 2018) ID 3933 (PDF)

(1) An immigration judge may grant a motion for a continuance of removal proceedings only "for good cause shown." 8 C.F.R. § 1003.29.

(2) The good-cause standard is a substantive requirement that limits the discretion of immigration judges and prohibits them from granting continuances for any reason or no reason at all.

(3) The good-cause standard requires consideration and balancing of multiple relevant factors when a respondent alien requests a continuance to pursue collateral relief from another authority—for example, a visa from the Department of Homeland Security. See Matter of Hashmi, 24 I&N Dec. 785, 790 (BIA 2009).

(4) When a respondent requests a continuance to pursue collateral relief, the immigration judge must consider primarily the likelihood that the collateral relief will be granted and will materially affect the outcome of the removal proceedings.

(5) The immigration judge should also consider relevant secondary factors, which may include the respondent’s diligence in seeking collateral relief, DHS’s position on the motion for continuance, concerns of administrative efficiency, the length of the continuance requested, the number of hearings held and continuances granted previously, and the timing of the continuance motion.


MEDINA-JIMENEZ,  27 I&N Dec. 399 (BIA 2018)

ID 3932 (PDF)

The categorical approach does not govern whether violating a protection order under 237(a)(2)(E)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(E)(ii) (2012), renders an alien ineligible for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1)(C) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(1)(C) (2012); instead, Immigration Judges need only decide whether the alien has been convicted within the meaning of the Act and whether that conviction is for violating a protection order under section 237(a)(2)(E)(ii). Matter of Obshatko, 27 I&N Dec. 173 (BIA 2017), followed.


ORTEGA-LOPEZ, 27 I&N Dec. 382 (BIA 2018)

ID 3931 (PDF)

(1) The offense of sponsoring or exhibiting an animal in an animal fighting venture in violation of 7 U.S.C. § 2156(a)(1) (2006) is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude. Matter of Ortega-Lopez, 26 I&N Dec. 99 (BIA 2013), reaffirmed.

(2) An alien is ineligible for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(1)(C) (2012), for having "been convicted of an offense under" section 237(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(A)(i) (2012), irrespective of both the general "admission" requirement in section 237(a) and the temporal (within 5 years of admission) requirement in section 237(a)(2)(A)(i)(I). Matter of Cortez, 25 I&N Dec. 301 (BIA 2010), reaffirmed.


NEGUSIE 27 I&N Dec. 347 (BIA 2018) ID 3930 (PDF)

(1) An applicant who is subject to being barred from establishing eligibility for asylum or withholding of removal based on the persecution of others may claim a duress defense, which is limited in nature.

(2) To meet the minimum threshold requirements of the duress defense to the persecutor bar, an applicant must establish by a preponderance of the evidence that (1) he acted under an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury to himself or others; (2) he reasonably believed that the threatened harm would be carried out unless he acted or refrained from acting; (3) he had no reasonable opportunity to escape or otherwise frustrate the threat; (4) he did not place himself in a situation in which he knew or reasonably should have known that he would likely be forced to act or refrain from acting; and (5) he knew or reasonably should have known that the harm he inflicted was not greater than the threatened harm to himself or others.


A-B-, 27 I&N Dec. 316 (A.G. 2018) ID 3929 (PDF)

(1)Matter of A-R-C-G-, 26 I&N Dec. 338 (BIA 2014) is overruled. That decision was wrongly decided and should not have been issued as a precedential decision.

(2)An applicant seeking to establish persecution on account of membership in a "particular social group" must demonstrate: (1) membership in a group, which is composed of members who share a common immutable characteristic, is defined with particularity, and is socially distinct within the society in question; and (2) that membership in the group is a central reason for her persecution. When the alleged persecutor is someone unaffiliated with the government, the applicant must also show that her home government is unwilling or unable to protect her.

(3)An asylum applicant has the burden of showing her eligibility for asylum. The applicant must present facts that establish each element of the standard, and the asylum officer, immigration judge, or the Board has the duty to determine whether those facts satisfy all of those elements.

(4)If an asylum application is fatally flawed in one respect, an immigration judge or the Board need not examine the remaining elements of the asylum claim.

(5)The mere fact that a country may have problems effectively policing certain crimes or that certain populations are more likely to be victims of crime, cannot itself establish an asylum claim.

(6)To be cognizable, a particular social group must exist independently of the harm asserted in an application for asylum.

(7)An applicant seeking to establish persecution based on violent conduct of a private actor must show more than the government’s difficulty controlling private behavior. The applicant must show that the government condoned the private actions or demonstrated an inability to protect the victims.

(8)An applicant seeking asylum based on membership in a particular social group must clearly indicate on the record the exact delineation of any proposed particular social group.

(9)The Board, immigration judges, and all asylum officers must consider, consistent with the regulations, whether internal relocation in the alien’s home country presents a reasonable alternative before granting asylum.


A-C-M-27 I&N Dec. 303 (BIA 2018) ID 3928 (PDF)

(1) An alien provides “material support” to a terrorist organization if the act has a logical and reasonably foreseeable tendency to promote, sustain, or maintain the organization, even if only to a de minimis degree.

(2) The respondent afforded material support to the guerillas in El Salvador in 1990 because the forced labor she provided in the form of cooking, cleaning, and washing their clothes aided them in continuing their mission of armed and violent opposition to the Salvadoran Government.


DING, 27 I&N Dec. 295 (BIA 2018) ID 3927 (PDF)

(1) The term "prostitution" in section 101(a)(43)(K)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(K)(i) (2012), which provides that an offense relating to the owning, controlling, managing, or supervising of a prostitution business is an aggravated felony, is not limited to offenses involving sexual intercourse but is defined as engaging in, or agreeing or offering to engage in, sexual conduct for anything of value.

(2) The offense of keeping a place of prostitution in violation of section 944.34(1) of the Wisconsin Statutes is categorically an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(K)(i) of the Act.


CASTRO-TUM, 27 I&N Dec. 271 (A.G. 2018) ID 3926 (PDF)

(1) Immigration judges and the Board do not have the general authority to suspend indefinitely immigration proceedings by administrative closure. To the extent the Board’s decisions in Matter of Avetisyan, 25 I&N Dec. 688 (BIA 2012), and Matter of W-Y-U-, 27 I&N Dec. 17 (BIA 2017), are inconsistent with this conclusion, those decisions are overruled.

(2) Immigration judges and the Board may only administratively close a case where a previous regulation or a previous judicially approved settlement expressly authorizes such an action.

(3) Neither 8 C.F.R. § 1003.10(b) nor 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(1)(ii) confers the authority to grant administrative closure. Grants of general authority to take measures “appropriate and necessary for the disposition of . . . cases” would not ordinarily include the authority to suspend cases indefinitely. Additionally, 8 C.F.R. § 1240.1(a)(1), which authorizes immigration judges to take actions that “may be appropriate” in removal proceedings, and 8 C.F.R. § 1240.1(c), which empowers immigration judges to “otherwise regulate the course of the hearing,” do not entail an authority to grant indefinite suspensions. Finally, regulations empowering the Chief Immigration Judge and the Chairman of the Board to manage dockets—8 C.F.R. § 1003.9(b)(1) and 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(a)(2)(i)(A)—grant no express authority to administratively close cases, and cannot reasonably be interpreted to implicitly delegate such authority.

(4) Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Department of Homeland Security has the exclusive authority to decide whether and when to initiate proceedings. Once the Department of Homeland Security initiates proceedings, immigration judges and the Board must proceed “expeditious[ly]” to resolve the case. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.12.

(5) For cases that truly warrant a brief pause, the regulations expressly provide for continuances. 8 C.F.R. § 1003.29.

(6) The Immigration and Nationality Act unambiguously states that, with respect to in absentia proceedings, so long as the Department of Homeland Security adequately alleges that it provided legally sufficient written notice to an alien, the alien “shall be ordered removed in absentia if [the Department of Homeland Security] establishes by clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence that the written notice was so provided and that the alien is removable.” INA § 240(b)(5)(A), 8 U.S.C. § 1229a(b)(5)(A). The Immigration and Nationality Act thus imposes an obligation to proceed expeditiously to determine whether the requisite evidence supports the removal charge.

(7) Where a case has been administratively closed without the requisite authority, the immigration judge or the Board, as appropriate, shall recalendar the case on the motion of either party.


L-M-P-, 27 I&N Dec. 265 (BIA 2018) ID 3925 (PDF)

(1) The Department of Homeland Security has the authority to file a motion to reconsider in Immigration Court.

(2) An applicant in withholding of removal only proceedings who is subject to a reinstated order of removal pursuant to section 241(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1231(a)(5) (2012), is ineligible for asylum.


SANCHEZ-LOPEZ 27 I&N Dec. 256 (BIA 2018) ID 3924 (PDF)

The offense of stalking in violation of section 646.9 of the California Penal Code is not “a crime of stalking” under section 237(a)(2)(E)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(E)(i) (2012). Matter of Sanchez-Lopez, 26 I&N Dec. 71 (BIA 2012), overruled.


MARQUEZ CONDE 27 I&N Dec. 251 (BIA 2018) ID 3923 (PDF)

The Board of Immigration Appeals’ holding in Matter of Pickering, 23 I&N Dec. 621 (BIA 2003), rev’d on other grounds, Pickering v. Gonzales, 465 F.3d 263 (6th Cir. 2006), regarding the validity of vacated convictions for immigration purposes, is reaffirmed, and the decision is modified to give it nationwide application. Renteria-Gonzalez v. INS, 322 F.3d 804 (5th Cir. 2002), not followed.


A-B-, 27 I&N Dec. 247 (A.G. 2018) ID 3922 (PDF)

The Attorney General denied the request of the Department of Homeland Security that the Attorney General suspend the briefing schedules and clarify the question presented, and he granted, in part, both parties’ request for an extension of the deadline for submitting briefs in this case.


L-A-B-R- et al., 27 I&N Dec. 245 (A.G. 2018) ID 3921 (PDF)

The Attorney General referred the decisions of the Board of Immigration Appeals to himself for review of issues relating to when there is "good cause" to grant a continuance for a collateral matter to be adjudicated, ordering that the cases be stayed during the pendency of his review.


CERVANTES NUNEZ,  27 I&N Dec. 238 (BIA 2018) ID 3920 (PDF)

The crime of attempted voluntary manslaughter in violation of sections 192(a) and 664 of the California Penal Code, which requires that a defendant act with the specific intent to cause the death of another person, is categorically an aggravated felony crime of violence under section 101(a)(43)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(F) (2012), notwithstanding that the completed offense of voluntary manslaughter itself is not such an aggravated felony.


ROSA, 27 I&N Dec. 228 (BIA 2018) ID 3919 (PDF)

(1) In deciding whether a State offense is punishable as a felony under the Federal Controlled Substances Act and is therefore an aggravated felony drug trafficking crime under section 101(a)(43)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(B) (2012), adjudicators need not look solely to the provision of the Controlled Substances Act that is most similar to the State statute of conviction.

(2) The respondent’s conviction under section 2C:35-7 of the New Jersey Statutes for possession with intent to distribute cocaine within 1,000 feet of school property is for an aggravated felony drug trafficking crime because his State offense satisfies all of the elements of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) (2012) and would be punishable as a felony under that provision.

A-B-, 27 I&N Dec. 227 (A.G. 2018) ID 3918 (PDF)

The Attorney General referred the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals to himself for review of issues relating to whether being a victim of private criminal activity constitutes a cognizable "particular social group" for purposes of an application for asylum and withholding of removal, ordering that the case be stayed during the pendency of his review.


E-F-H-L-, 27 I&N Dec. 226 (A.G. 2018) ID 3917 (PDF)

The Attorney General referred the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals in Matter of E-F-H-L-, 26 I&N Dec. 319 (BIA 2014), to himself for review and vacated that decision.


MENDEZ, 27 I&N Dec. 219 (BIA 2018) ID 3916 (PDF)

Misprision of felony in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 4 (2006) is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude. Matter of Robles, 24 I&N Dec. 22 (BIA 2006), reaffirmed. Robles-Urrea v. Holder, 678 F.3d 702 (9th Cir. 2012), followed in jurisdiction only.


 J-C-H-F-,  27 I&N Dec. 211 (BIA 2018)

ID 3915 (PDF)

When deciding whether to consider a border or airport interview in making a credibility determination, an Immigration Judge should assess the accuracy and reliability of the interview based on the totality of the circumstances, rather than relying on any one factor among a list or mandated set of inquiries.


SINIAUSKAS , 27 I&N Dec. 207 (BIA 2018) ID 3914 (PDF)

(1) In deciding whether to set a bond, an Immigration Judge should consider the nature and circumstances of the alien’s criminal activity, including any arrests and convictions, to determine if the alien is a danger to the community, but family and community ties generally do not mitigate an alien’s dangerousness.

(2) Driving under the influence is a significant adverse consideration in determining whether an alien is a danger to the community in bond proceedings.


CASTILLO ANGULO, 27 I&N Dec. 194 (BIA 2018) ID 3913 (PDF)

(1) In removal proceedings arising within the jurisdiction of the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Ninth Circuits, an alien who was "waved through" a port of entry has established an admission "in any status" within the meaning of section 240A(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(a)(2) (2012). Tula-Rubio v. Lynch, 787 F.3d 288 (5th Cir. 2015), and Saldivar v. Sessions, 877 F.3d 812 (9th Cir. 2017), followed in jurisdiction only.

(2) In removal proceedings arising outside the Fifth and Ninth Circuits, to establish continuous residence in the United States for 7 years after having been "admitted in any status" under section 240A(a)(2), an alien must prove that he or she possessed some form of lawful immigration status at the time of admission.


W-Y-C-& H-O-B-, 27 I&N Dec. 189 (BIA 2018) ID 3912 (PDF)

(1) An applicant seeking asylum or withholding of removal based on membership in a particular social group must clearly indicate on the record before the Immigration Judge the exact delineation of any proposed particular social group.

(2) The Board of Immigration Appeals generally will not address a newly articulated particular social group that was not advanced before the Immigration Judge.


CASTRO-TUM, 27 I&N Dec. 187 (A.G. 2018) ID 3911 (PDF)

The Attorney General referred the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals to himself for review of issues relating to the authority to administratively close immigration proceedings, ordering that the case be stayed during the pendency of his review.


JASSO ARANGURE, 27 I&N Dec. 178 (BIA 2017) ID 3910 (PDF)

(1) The Department of Homeland Security is not precluded by res judicata from initiating a separate proceeding to remove an alien as one convicted of an aggravated felony burglary offense under section 101(a)(43)(G) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(G) (2012), based on the same conviction that supported a crime of violence aggravated felony charge under section 101(a)(43)(F) in the prior proceeding. Bravo-Pedroza v. Gonzales, 475 F.3d 1358 (9th Cir. 2007), not followed.

(2) Home invasion in the first degree in violation of Michigan Compiled Laws section 750.110a(2) is a categorical burglary offense under section 101(a)(43)(G) of the Act.


OBSHATKO, 27 I&N Dec. 173 (BIA 2017) ID 3909 (PDF)

Whether a violation of a protection order renders an alien removable under section 237(a)(2)(E)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(E)(ii)(2012), is not governed by the categorical approach, even if a conviction underlies the charge; instead, an Immigration Judge should consider the probative and reliable evidence regarding what a State court has determined about the alien’s violation. Matter of Strydom 25 I&N Dec. 507 (BIA 2011), clarified.


J-A-B- & I-J-V-A-, 27 I&N Dec. 168 (BIA 2017) ID 3908 (PDF)

An Immigration Judge does not have authority to terminate removal proceedings to give an arriving alien an opportunity to present an asylum claim to the Department of Homeland Security in the first instance.


KEELEY, 27 I&N Dec. 146 (BIA 2017) ID 3907 (PDF)

(1) The term “rape” in section 101(a)(43)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(A) (2012), encompasses an act of vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse, or digital or mechanical penetration, no matter how slight. Perez-Gonzalez v. Holder, 667 F.3d 622 (5th Cir. 2012), not followed.

(2) The term “rape” also requires that the underlying sexual act be committed without consent, which may be shown by a statutory requirement that the victim’s ability to appraise the nature of the conduct was substantially impaired and the offender had a culpable mental state as to such impairment.


TAVDIDISHVILI, 27 I&N Dec. 142 (BIA 2017) ID 3906 (PDF)

Criminally negligent homicide in violation of section 125.10 of the New York Penal Law is categorically not a crime involving moral turpitude, because it does not require that a perpetrator have a sufficiently culpable mental state.


VELLA, 27 I&N Dec. 138 (BIA 2017)

ID 3905 (PDF)

An alien “has previously been admitted to the United States as an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence” within the meaning of section 212(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(h) (2012), if he or she was inspected, admitted, and physically entered the country as a lawful permanent resident at any time in the past, even if such admission was not the alien’s most recent acquisition of lawful permanent resident status.


PANGAN-SIS, 27 I&N Dec. 130 (BIA 2017)

ID 3904 (PDF)

An alien seeking to qualify for the exception to inadmissibility in section 212(a)(6)(A)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(6)(A)(ii) (2012), must satisfy all three subclauses of that section, including the requirement that the alien be "a VAWA self-petitioner."


REHMAN, 27 I&N Dec. 124 (BIA 2017)

ID 3903 (PDF)

Where a petitioner seeking to prove a familial relationship submits a birth certificate that was not registered contemporaneously with the birth, an adjudicator must consider the birth certificate, as well as all the other evidence of record and the circumstances of the case, to determine whether the petitioner has submitted sufficient reliable evidence to demonstrate the claimed relationship by a preponderance of the evidence.


D-R-, 27 I&N Dec. 105 (BIA 2017)

ID 3902 (PDF)

(1) A misrepresentation is material under section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(6)(C)(i) (2012), when it tends to shut off a line of inquiry that is relevant to the alien’s admissibility and that would predictably have disclosed other facts relevant to his eligibility for a visa, other documentation, or admission to the United States. Forbes v. INS, 48 F.3d 439 (9th Cir. 1995), not followed.

(2) In determining whether an alien assisted or otherwise participated in extrajudicial killing, an adjudicator should consider (1) the nexus between the alien’s role, acts, or inaction and the extrajudicial killing and (2) his scienter, meaning his prior or contemporaneous knowledge of the killing. Miranda Alvarado v. Gonzales, 449 F.3d 915 (9th Cir. 2006), not followed.


DELGADO, 27 I&N Dec. 100 (BIA 2017)

ID 3901 (PDF)

Robbery under section 211 of the California Penal Code, which includes the element of asportation of property, is categorically an aggravated felony theft offense under section 101(a)(43)(G) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(G) (2012), regardless of whether a violator merely aided or abetted in the asportation of property stolen by a principal.


MOHAMED, 27 I&N Dec. 92 (BIA 2017) ID 3900 (PDF)

Entry into a pretrial intervention agreement under Texas law qualifies as a "conviction" for immigration purposes under section 101(a)(48)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(48)(A) (2012), where (1) a respondent admits sufficient facts to warrant a finding of guilt at the time of his entry into the agreement, and (2) a judge authorizes an agreement ordering the respondent to participate in a pretrial intervention program, under which he is required to complete community supervision and community service, pay fees and restitution, and comply with a no-contact order.


J-G-D-F-, 27 I&N Dec. 82 (BIA 2017) ID 3899 (PDF)

Burglary of a dwelling in violation of section 164.225 of the Oregon Revised Statutes is a crime involving moral turpitude, even though the statute does not require that a person be present at the time of the offense, provided that the dwelling is at least intermittently occupied.


N-A-I-, 27 I&N Dec.72 (BIA 2017) ID 3898 (PDF)

1) An alien who adjusts status under section 209(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1159(b) (2012), changes his or her status from that of an alien granted asylum to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, thereby terminating the alien’s asylee status. Matter of C-J-H-, 26 I&N Dec. 284 (BIA 2014), clarified.

(2)The restrictions on removal in section 208(c)(1)(A) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1158(c)(1)(A) (2012), do not apply to an alien granted asylum whose status is adjusted to that of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence pursuant to section 209(b) of the Act.


IZAGUIRRE, 27 I&N Dec. 67 (BIA 2017) ID 3897 (PDF)

An offense may be a "specified offense against a minor" within the meaning of section 111(7) of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-248, 120 Stat. 587, 592, even if it involved an undercover police officer posing as a minor, rather than an actual minor.


DEANG, 27 I&N Dec. 57 (BIA 2017) ID 3896 (PDF)

An essential element of an aggravated felony receipt of stolen property offense under section 101(a)(43)(G) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(G) (2012), is that an offender must receive property with the “knowledge or belief” that it has been stolen, and this element excludes a mens rea equivalent to a “reason to believe.”

 

A conviction for receipt of a stolen motor vehicle under section 32-4-5 of the South Dakota Codified Laws categorically does not define an aggravated felony receipt of stolen property offense under section 101(a)(43)(G) of the Act because it is indivisible with respect to the necessary mens rea and only requires, at a minimum, that an offender have a “reason to believe” that the vehicle received was stolen.


FALODUN, 27 I&N Dec. 52 (BIA 2017) ID 3895 (PDF)

Unlike a Certificate of Naturalization, a certificate of citizenship does not confer United States citizenship but merely provides evidence that the applicant previously obtained citizenship status.

The institution of judicial proceedings to revoke naturalization are not required to cancel a certificate of citizenship, which the Department of Homeland Security can cancel administratively upon a determination that an applicant is not entitled to the claimed citizenship status.


ALDAY-DOMINGUEZ, 27 I&N Dec. 48 (BIA 2017) ID 3894 (PDF)

The aggravated felony receipt of stolen property provision in section 101(a)(43)(G) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(G) (2012), does not require that unlawfully received property be obtained by means of common law theft or larceny.


L-E-A-,  27 I&N Dec. 40 (BIA 2017)

ID 3893 (PDF)

(1) Whether a particular social group based on family membership is cognizable depends on the nature and degree of the relationships involved and how those relationships are regarded by the society in question.

(2) To establish eligibility for asylum on the basis of membership in a particular social group composed of family members, an applicant must not only demonstrate that he or she is a member of the family but also that the family relationship is at least one central reason for the claimed harm.


M-B-C-, 27 I&N Dec. 31 (BIA 2017) ID 3892 (PDF)

Where the record contains some evidence from which a reasonable factfinder could conclude that one or more grounds for mandatory denial of an application for relief may apply, the alien bears the burden under 8 C.F.R. § 1240.8(d) (2016) to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that such grounds do not apply.


J.MALVARADO, 27 I&N Dec. 27 (BIA 2017) ID 3891 (PDF)

The persecutor bar in section 241(b)(3)(B)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1231(b)(3)(B)(i) (2012), applies to an alien who assists or otherwise participates in the persecution of an individual because of that person’s race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion, without regard to the alien’s personal motivation for assisting or participating in the persecution.


CHAIREZ, 27 I&N Dec. 21 (BIA 2017)

 ID 3890 (PDF)

In determining whether a statute is divisible under Mathis v. United States, 136 S. Ct. 2243 (2016), Immigration Judges may consider or "peek" at an alien’s conviction record only to discern whether statutory alternatives define "elements" or "means," provided State law does not otherwise resolve the question.


W-Y-U-, 27 I&N Dec. 17 (BIA 2017) ID 3889 (PDF)

(1) The primary consideration for an Immigration Judge in evaluating whether to administratively close or recalendar proceedings is whether the party opposing administrative closure has provided a persuasive reason for the case to proceed and be resolved on the merits. Matter of Avetisyan, 25 I&N Dec. 688 (BIA 2012), clarified.

(2) In considering administrative closure, an Immigration Judge cannot review whether an alien falls within the enforcement priorities of the Department of Homeland Security, which has exclusive jurisdiction over matters of prosecutorial discretion.


WU, 27 I&N Dec. 8 (BIA 2017)  ID 3888 (PDF)

Assault with a deadly weapon or force likely to produce great bodily injury under California law is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude. Ceron v. Holder, 747 F.3d 773 (9th Cir. 2014) (en banc), distinguished.


JIMENEZ-CEDILLO, 27 I&N Dec. 1 (BIA 2017) ID 3887 (PDF)

(1) A sexual offense in violation of a statute enacted to protect children is a crime involving moral turpitude where the victim is particularly young—that is, under 14 years of age—or is under 16 and the age differential between the perpetrator and victim is significant, or both, even though the statute requires no culpable mental state as to the age of the child. 26 I&N Dec. 826 (BIA 2016), clarified.

(2) Sexual solicitation of a minor under section 3-324(b) of the Maryland Criminal Law with the intent to engage in an unlawful sexual offense in violation of section 3-307 is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude.

FLORES-ABARCA, 26 I&N Dec. 922 (BIA 2017) ID 3886 (PDF)

The crime of transporting a loaded firearm in violation of title 21, section 1289.13 of the Oklahoma Statutes is categorically a firearms offense under section 237(a)(2)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(C) (2012), even though the term "transporting" is not included in the Act, because section 237(a)(2)(C) is broadly construed to encompass all types of firearms offenses.


KIM, 26 I&N Dec. 912 (BIA 2017) ID 3885 (PDF)

The crime of mayhem in violation of section 203 of the California Penal Code, which requires a malicious act that results in great bodily injury to another person, necessarily involves the use of violent force and is therefore categorically a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 16(a) (2012).


CALCANO DE MILLAN, 26 I&N Dec. 904 (BIA 2017)

ID 3884 (PDF)

For purposes of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-248, 120 Stat. 587, and section 204(a)(1)(A)(viii)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1154(a)(1)(A)(viii)(I) (2012), a United States citizen or lawful permanent resident petitioner has been "convicted" of an offense where either a formal judgment of guilt has been entered by a court or, if adjudication of guilt has been withheld, where (1) a plea, finding, or admission of facts established the petitioner’s guilt and (2) a judge ordered some form of punishment, penalty, or restraint on his or her liberty.


ALVARADO, 26 I&N Dec. 895 (BIA 2016)

ID 3883 (PDF)

(1) The generic definition of "perjury" in section 101(a)(43)(S) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(S) (2012), requires that an offender make a material false statement knowingly or willfully while under oath or affirmation where an oath is authorized or required by law.

(2) The crime of perjury in violation of section 118(a) California Penal Code is categorically an offense relating to perjury under section 101(a)(43)(S) of the Act.


DHANASAR, 26 I&N Dec. 884 (AAO 2016) ID 3882 IPFD)

USCIS may grant a national interest waiver if the petitioner demonstrates: (1) that the foreign national’s proposed endeavor has both substantial merit and national importance; (2) that he or she is well positioned to advance the proposed endeavor; and (3) that, on balance, it would be beneficial to the United States to waive the job offer and labor certification requirements. Matter of New York State Dep’t of Transp., 22 I&N Dec. 215 (Acting Assoc. Comm’r 1998), vacated.


W-A-F-C-,  26 I&N Dec. 880 (BIA 2016) ID 3881 (PDF)

Where the Department of Homeland Security seeks to re-serve a respondent to effect proper service of a notice to appear that was defective under the regulatory requirements for serving minors under the age of 14, a continuance should be granted for that purpose. Matter of E-S-I-, 26 I&N Dec. 136 (BIA 2013), followed.


M-S-B-, 26 I&N Dec. 872 (BIA 2016) ID 3880 (PDF)

(1) An untimely application for asylum may be found frivolous under section 208(d)(6) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1158(d)(6) (2012). Luciana v. Att’y Gen. of U.S., 502 F.3d 273 (3d Cir. 2007), distinguished. Matter of X-M-C-, 25 I&N Dec. 322 (BIA 2010), followed.

(2) The respondent’s asylum application is frivolous because he deliberately made a false statement postdating by more than 2 years his date of entry into this country, which is a material element in determining his eligibility to seek asylum given the general requirement to file the application within 1 year of the date of arrival in the United States.


L-T-P-,  26 I&N Dec. 862 (BIA 2016) ID 3879 (PDF)

(1) An applicant for adjustment of status under section 209 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1159 (2012), must be either a refugee or an asylee.

(2) Cubans who were paroled into the United States under section 212(d)(5) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(d)(5) (1976), between April 1, 1980, and May 18, 1980, are considered to have been admitted as refugees pursuant to the Refugee Act of 1980, Pub. L. No. 96-212, 94 Stat. 102.

(3) The respondent, who was paroled into the United States on August 25, 1980, with an Arrival/Departure Record (Form I-94) that was stamped "Cuban/Haitian Entrant (Status Pending)" and indicates that the purpose of his parole was for "Cuban Asylum," is ineligible to adjust his status under section 209 of the Act because he was neither admitted as a refugee nor granted asylum.


OBEYA, 26 I&N Dec. 856 (BIA 2016)

ID 3878 (PDF)

Petit larceny in violation of section 155.25 of the New York Penal Law, which requires an intent to deprive the owner of his property either permanently or under circumstances where the owner’s property rights are substantially eroded, is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude. Matter of Diaz-Lizarraga, 26 I&N Dec. 847 (BIA 2016), followed.


DIAZ-LIZARRAGA, 26 I&N Dec. 847 (BIA 2016) ID 3877 (PDF)

(1) A theft offense is a crime involving moral turpitude if it involves a taking or exercise of control over another’s property without consent and with an intent to deprive the owner of his property either permanently or under circumstances where the owner’s property rights are substantially eroded.

(2) Shoplifting in violation of section 13-1805(A) of the Arizona Revised Statutes is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude.


TIMA, 26 I&N Dec. 839 (BIA 2016)

ID 3876 (PDF)

A fraud waiver under section 237(a)(1)(H) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(1)(H) (2012), cannot waive an alien’s removability under section 237(a)(2)(A)(i) for having been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, even if the conviction is based on the underlying fraud.


SILVA-TREVINO, 26 I&N 826 (BIA 2016)

ID 3875 (PDF)

(1) The categorical and modified categorical approaches provide the proper framework for determining whether a conviction is for a crime involving moral turpitude.

(2) Unless the controlling case law of the governing Federal court of appeals expressly dictates otherwise, the realistic probability test, which focuses on the minimum conduct that has a realistic probability of being prosecuted under the statute of conviction, should be applied in determining whether an offense is a categorical crime involving moral turpitude.

(3) Under the “minimum reading” approach applied by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, the respondent’s conviction for indecency with a child under section 21.11(a)(1) of the Texas Penal Code is not for a categorical crime involving moral turpitude.

(4) An alien who has engaged in misconduct involving sexual abuse of a minor is not required to make a heightened evidentiary showing of hardship or other factors to establish that an application for relief warrants a favorable exercise of discretion.


CHAIREZ, 26 I&N Dec. 819 (BIA 2016) ID 3874 (PDF)

The respondent’s removability as an alien convicted of an aggravated felony was not established where section 76-10-508.1 of the Utah Code was not shown to be divisible with respect to the mens rea necessary for the offense to qualify as a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 16(a) (2012), based on the Supreme Court’s decisions in Mathis v. United States, 136 S. Ct. 2243 (2016), and Descamps v. United States, 133 S. Ct. 2276 (2013). Matter of Chairez, 26 I&N Dec. 349 (BIA 2014), and Matter of Chairez, 26 I&N Dec. 478 (BIA 2015), clarified.


ZARAGOZA-VAQUERO, 26 I&N Dec. 814 (BIA 2016) ID 3873 (PDF)

The offense of criminal copyright infringement in violation of 17 U.S.C. § 506(a)(1)(A) (2012) and 18 U.S.C. § 2319(b)(1) (2012) is a crime involving moral turpitude.


IBARRA, 26 I&N Dec. 809 (BIA 2016) ID 3872 (PDF)

(1) A "theft offense" under section 101(a)(43)(G) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 101(a)(43)(G) (2012), which requires the taking of property "without consent," includes extortionate takings, in which consent is coerced by the wrongful use of force, fear, or threats.

(2) Robbery by force or fear in violation of section 211 of the California Penal Code is categorically an aggravated felony theft offense under section 101(a)(43)(G) of the Act.


 GUZMAN-POLANCO,  26 I&N Dec.  806 (BIA 2016)  ID 3871 (PDF)

The crime of aggravated battery in violation of the Puerto Rico Penal Code is not categorically a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 16(a) (2012), but controlling circuit court law should be followed regarding the question whether conduct such as the use or threatened use of poison to injure another person involves sufficient "force" to constitute a crime of violence. Matter of Guzman-Polanco, 26 I&N Dec. 713 (BIA 2016), clarified.


KHAN,  26 I&N Dec. 797 (BIA 2016) ID 3870 (PDF)

Immigration Judges do not have authority to adjudicate a request for a waiver of inadmissibility under section 212(d)(3)(A)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(d)(3)(A)(ii) (2012), by a petitioner for U nonimmigrant status.


CHAIREZ and SAMA, 26 I&N Dec. 796 (A.G. 2016) ID 3869 (PDF)

The Attorney General lifted the stay and remanded these cases to the Board of Immigration Appeals for appropriate action.


FATAHI, 26 I&N Dec. 791 (BIA 2016)  ID 3868 (PDF)

In determining whether an alien presents a danger to the community at large and thus should not be released on bond pending removal proceedings, an Immigration Judge should consider both direct and circumstantial evidence of dangerousness, including whether the facts and circumstances present national security considerations.


RICHMOND, 26 I&N Dec. 779 (BIA 2016) ID 3867 (PDF)

(1) A false claim to United States citizenship falls within the scope of section 212(a)(6)(C)(ii)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(6)(C)(ii)(I) (2012), where there is direct or circumstantial evidence that the false claim was made with the subjective intent of obtaining a purpose or benefit under the Act or any other Federal or State law, and where United States citizenship actually affects or matters to the purpose or benefit sought.

(2) There is a distinction between achieving a "purpose" and obtaining a "benefit" under section 212(a)(6)(C)(ii)(I) of the Act.

(3) Avoiding removal proceedings qualifies as a "purpose" within the meaning of section 212(a)(6)(C)(ii)(I) of the Act.


M-J-K-, 26 I&N Dec. 773 (BIA 2016) ID 3866 (PDF)

In cases involving issues of mental competency, an Immigration Judge has the discretion to select and implement appropriate safeguards, which the Board of Immigration Appeals reviews de novo.


GOMEZ-BELTRAN, 26 I&N Dec. 765 (BIA 2016) ID 3865 (PDF)

An alien cannot establish good moral character under section 101(f)(6) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(f)(6) (2012), if, during the period for which it is required, he or she gives false testimony under oath in proceedings before an Immigration Judge with the subjective intent of obtaining immigration benefits.


M-H-Z-, 26 I&N Dec. 757 (BIA 2016) ID 3864 (PDF)

The "material support bar" in section 212(a)(3)(B)(iv)(VI) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(3)(B)(iv)(VI) (2012), does not include an implied exception for an alien who has provided material support to a terrorist organization under duress.


H. ESTRADA, 26 I&N Dec. 749 (BIA 2016)  ID 3863 (PDF)

(1) In analyzing whether a conviction is for a crime of domestic violence under section 237(a)(2)(E)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(E)(i) (2012), the circumstance-specific approach is properly applied to determine the domestic nature of the offense.

(2) Where the respondent’s original sentence for his Georgia conviction was ambiguous as to whether he was sentenced to probation or a probated term of imprisonment, a clarification order issued by the sentencing judge to correct an obvious discrepancy in her original order will be given effect in determining whether the respondent was sentenced to a term of imprisonment of at least 1 year.


GONZALEZ ROMO, 26 I&N Dec. 743 (BIA 2016)  ID 3862 (PDF)

Within the jurisdiction of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, a returning lawful permanent resident who has a felony conviction for solicitation to possess marijuana for sale is inadmissible under section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(2)(A)(i)(I) (2012), even though that section refers only to attempt and conspiracy to commit a crime involving moral turpitude, and is therefore properly considered to be an arriving alien under section 101(a)(13)(C)(v) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(13)(C)(v) (2012). Matter of Vo, 25 I&N Dec. 426 (BIA 2011), clarified.


GARZA-OLIVARES, 26 I&N Dec. 736 (BIA 2016) ID 3861 (PDF)

In assessing whether an offense qualifies as an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(T) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(T) (2012), the categorical approach applies to decide if the offense relates to an alien’s failure to appear before a court, but the circumstance-specific approach applies to determine if the failure to appear was (1) pursuant to a court order (2) to answer to or dispose of a charge of a felony (3) for which a sentence of 2 years’ imprisonment or more may be imposed.


RUZKU, 26 I&N Dec. 731 (BIA 2016) ID 3860 (PDF)

Direct sibling-to-sibling DNA test results reflecting a 99.5 percent degree of certainty or higher that a full sibling biological relationship exists should be accepted and considered to be probative evidence of the relationship.


ADENIYE, 26 I&N Dec. 726 (BIA 2016) (as amended)  ID 3859 (PDF)

An "offense relating to a failure to appear by a defendant for service of sentence" is an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(Q) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(Q) (2012), if the underlying offense was "punishable by" imprisonment for a term of 5 years or more, regardless of the penalty actually ordered or imposed.


VILLALOBOS, 26 I&N Dec. 719 (BIA 2016) ID 3858 (PDF)

(1) Although the Department of Homeland Security has exclusive jurisdiction over applications for adjustment of status under the legalization provisions of section 245A of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1255a (2012), the Immigration Judges and the Board of Immigration Appeals have jurisdiction to determine whether an alien was eligible for a previous adjustment under section 245A(b)(1) for purposes of assessing the alien’s removability and current eligibility for relief from removal.

(2) An alien seeking to acquire lawful permanent resident status through the legalization provisions of section 245A of the Act must establish admissibility, both at the time of the initial application for temporary resident status and again when applying for adjustment to permanent resident status under section 245A(b)(1).

(3) An alien who was inadmissible at the time of adjustment of status from temporary resident to permanent resident under section 245A(b)(1) of the Act was not lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is therefore ineligible for a waiver of inadmissibility under former section 212(c) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(c) (1994).


GUZMAN-POLANCO, 26 I&N Dec. 713 (BIA 2016) ID 3857 (PDF)

(1) For a State offense to qualify as a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 16(a) (2012), the State statute must require as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of violent physical force. Matter of Martin, 23 I&N Dec. 491 (BIA 2002), withdrawn.

(2) The crime of aggravated battery under the Puerto Rico Penal Code, which may be committed by means that do not require the use of violent physical force, is not categorically a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 16(a).


MENDOZA OSORIO, 26 I&N Dec. 703 (BIA 2016) ID 3856 (PDF)

The offense of endangering the welfare of a child in violation of section 260.10(1) of the New York Penal Law, which requires knowingly acting in a manner likely to be injurious to the physical, mental, or moral welfare of a child, is categorically a "crime of child abuse, child neglect, or child abandonment" under section 237(a)(2)(E)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(E)(i) (2012).

CALVILLO GARCIA, 26 I&N Dec. 697 (BIA 2015) ID 3855 (PDF)

A term of confinement in a substance abuse treatment facility imposed as a condition of probation pursuant to article 42.12, section 14(a) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure constitutes a "term of confinement" under section 101(a)(48)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(48)(B) (2012), for purposes of determining if an offense is a crime of violence under section 101(a)(43)(F) of the Act.


CASTRO-LOPEZ, 26 I&N Dec. 693 (BIA 2015) ID 3854 (PDF)

The 10 years of continuous physical presence required by 8 C.F.R. § 1240.66(c)(2) (2015) for aliens seeking special rule cancellation of removal under section 203 of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act, Pub. L. No. 105-100, tit. II, 111 Stat. 2160, 2193, 2196 (1997), amended by Pub. L. No. 105-139, 111 Stat. 2644 (1997), should be measured from the alien’s most recently incurred ground of removal, at least where that ground is among those listed in 8 C.F.R. § 1240.66(c)(1).


Y-S-L-C-, 26 I&N Dec. 688 (BIA 2015) ID 3853 (PDF)

(1) The requirements of the Federal Rules of Evidence with respect to the admission of expert testimony are inapposite to a respondent’s testimony regarding events of which he or she has personal knowledge.

(2) Conduct by an Immigration Judge that can be perceived as bullying or hostile is never appropriate, particularly in cases involving minor respondents, and may result in remand to a different Immigration Judge.


CHAIREZ and SAMA, 26 I&N Dec. 686 (A.G. 2015) ID 3852 (PDF)

The Attorney General referred the decisions of the Board of Immigration Appeals to herself for review of an issue relating to the application of Descamps v. United States, 133 S. Ct. 2276 (2013), ordering that those cases be stayed and not be regarded as precedential or binding as to the issue under review during the pendency of her review.


J-S-S-, 26 I&N Dec. 679 (BIA 2015) ID 3851 (PDF)

(1) Neither party bears a formal burden of proof in immigration proceedings to establish whether or not the respondent is mentally competent, but where indicia of incompetency are identified, the Immigration Judge should determine if a preponderance of the evidence establishes that the respondent is competent.

(2) An Immigration Judge’s finding of competency is a finding of fact that the Board of Immigration Appeals reviews to determine if it is clearly erroneous.


GARCIA-RAMIREZ, 26 I&N Dec. 674 (BIA 2015)  ID 3850 (PDF)

(1) Where an alien has the right to a hearing before an Immigration Judge, a voluntary departure or return does not break the alien’s continuous physical presence for purposes of cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(1)(A) (2012), in the absence of evidence that he or she was informed of and waived the right to such a hearing, regardless of whether the encounter occurred at or near the border. Matter of Avilez, 23 I&N Dec. 799 (BIA 2005), clarified.

(2) Evidence that an alien who had the right to a hearing before an Immigration Judge was fingerprinted and/or photographed before being allowed to voluntarily depart is not enough, in itself, to demonstrate a waiver of the right to a hearing or to show a process of sufficient formality to break continuous physical presence. Matter of Castrejon-Colino, 26 I&N Dec. 667 (BIA 2015), followed.


CASTREJON-COLINO, 26 I&N Dec. 667 (BIA 2015)  ID 3849 (PDF)

(1) Where an alien has the right to a hearing before an Immigration Judge, a voluntary departure or return does not break the alien’s continuous physical presence for purposes of cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(1)(A) (2012), in the absence of evidence that he or she was informed of and waived the right to such a hearing. Matter of Avilez, 23 I&N Dec. 799 (BIA 2005), clarified.

(2) Evidence that an alien who had the right to a hearing before an Immigration Judge was fingerprinted and/or photographed before being allowed to voluntarily depart is not enough, in itself, to demonstrate a waiver of the right to a hearing or to show a process of sufficient formality to break continuous physical presence.


R-K-K-, 26 I&N Dec. 658 (BIA 2015)  ID 3848 (PDF)

(1) Significant similarities between statements submitted by applicants in different proceedings can be considered by an Immigration Judge in making an adverse credibility determination if certain procedural steps are undertaken to preserve the fairness of the proceedings.

(2) When relying on inter-proceeding similarities, the Immigration Judge should give the applicant meaningful notice of the similarities and a reasonable opportunity to explain them prior to making a credibility determination that is based on the totality of the circumstances.


M-A-F-, 26 I&N Dec. 651 (BIA 2015)  ID 3847 (PDF)

(1) Where an applicant has filed an asylum application before the May 11, 2005, effective date of the REAL ID Act of 2005, Division B of Pub. L. No. 109-13, 119 Stat. 302, and, on or after that date, submitted a subsequent application that is properly viewed as a new application, the later filing date controls for purposes of determining the applicability of section 208(b)(1)(B)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1158(b)(1)(B)(iii) (2012), to credibility determinations.

(2) A subsequent asylum application is properly viewed as a new application if it presents a previously unraised basis for relief or is predicated on a new or substantially different factual basis.

(3) Where an alien has filed more than one application for asylum and the subsequent one is deemed to be a new application, the filing date of the later application controls for purposes of determining whether the 1-year statutory time bar applies under section 208(a)(2)(B) of the Act.


D-M-C-P-, 26 I&N Dec. 644 (BIA 2015)  ID 3846 (PDF)

(1) Neither an Immigration Judge nor the Board of Immigration Appeals has jurisdiction to consider whether asylum-only proceedings were improvidently instituted pursuant to a referral under the Visa Waiver Program.

(2) It is improper to deem an application for relief abandoned based on the applicant’s failure to comply with the biometrics filing requirement where the record does not reflect that the applicant received notification advisories concerning that requirement, was given a deadline for submitting the biometrics, and was advised of the consequences of his or her failure to comply.


ORDAZ, 26 I&N Dec. 637 (BIA 2015)  ID 3845 (PDF)

A notice to appear that was served on an alien but never resulted in the commencement of removal proceedings does not have "stop-time" effect for purposes of establishing eligibility for cancellation of removal pursuant to section 240A(d)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(d)(1) (2012).


R. HUANG, 26 I&N Dec. 627 (BIA 2015)  ID 3844 (PDF)

The beneficiary of a visa petition who was adopted pursuant to a State court order that was entered when the beneficiary was more than 16 years old, but with an effective date prior to his or her 16th birthday, may qualify as an adopted child under section 101(b)(1)(E)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(b)(1)(E)(i)(2012), so long as the adoption petition was filed before the beneficiary’s 16th birthday and the State in which the adoption was entered expressly permits an adoption decree to be dated retroactively. Matter of Cariaga, 15 I&N Dec. 716 (BIA 1976), and Matter of Drigo, 18 I&N Dec. 223 (BIA 1982), modified.


P. SINGH, 26 I&N Dec. 623 (BIA 2015)  ID 3843 (PDF)

An attorney who admitted to engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice by enlisting his legal assistant to impersonate him during multiple telephonic appearances before Immigration Judges was appropriately suspended from practice before the Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the Department of Homeland Security for a period of 16 months and prohibited from appearing telephonically in the Immigration Courts for 7 years.


PENA, 26 I&N Dec. 613 (BIA 2015) ID 3842 (PDF)

An alien returning to the United States who has been granted lawful permanent resident status cannot be regarded as seeking an admission and may not be charged with inadmissibility under section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a) (2012), if he or she does not fall within any of the exceptions in section 101(a)(13)(C) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(13)(C) (2012). Matter of Koloamatangi, 23 I&N Dec. 548 (BIA 2003), distinguished.


J-R-R-A-, 26 I&N Dec. 609 (BIA 2015)   ID 3841 (PDF)

If an applicant for asylum has competency issues that affect the reliability of his testimony, the Immigration Judge should, as a safeguard, generally accept his fear of harm as subjectively genuine based on the applicant’s perception of events.


FAJARDO ESPINOZA , 26 I&N Dec. 603 (BIA 2015) ID 3840 (PDF)

A grant of Family Unity Program benefits does not constitute an "admission" to the United States under section 101(a)(13)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(13)(A) (2012), for purposes of establishing that an alien has accrued the requisite 7 years of continuous residence after having been "admitted in any status" to be eligible for cancellation of removal under section 240A(a)(2) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(a)(2) (2012). Matter of Reza, 25 I&N Dec. 296 (BIA 2010), reaffirmed. Garcia-Quintero v. Gonzales, 455 F.3d 1006 (9th Cir. 2006), not followed.


FRANCISCO-ALONZO, 26 I&N Dec. 594 (BIA 2015) ID 3839 (PDF)

In determining whether a conviction is for an aggravated felony crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 16(b) (2012), the proper inquiry is whether the conduct encompassed by the elements of the offense presents a substantial risk that physical force may be used in the course of committing the offense in the "ordinary case."


Z-Z-O-, 26 I&N Dec. 586 (BIA 2015) ID 3838 (PDF)

(1) An Immigration Judge’s predictive findings of what may or may not occur in the future are findings of fact, which are subject to a clearly erroneous standard of review. Matter of V-K-, 24 I&N Dec. 500 (BIA 2008), and Matter of A-S-B-, 24 I&N Dec. 493 (BIA 2008), overruled.

(2) Whether an asylum applicant has an objectively reasonable fear of persecution based on the events that the Immigration Judge found may occur upon the applicant’s return to the country of removal is a legal determination that is subject to de novo review.


AGOUR, 26 I&N Dec. 566 (BIA 2015) ID 3837 (PDF)

Adjustment of status constitutes an "admission" for purposes of determining an alien’s eligibility to apply for a waiver under section 237(a)(1)(H) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(1)(H) (2012). Matter of Connelly, 19 I&N Dec. 156 (BIA 1984), distinguished.


J-H-J-, 26 I&N Dec. 563 (BIA 2015)  ID 3836 (PDF)

An alien who adjusted status in the United States, and who has not entered as a lawful permanent resident, is not barred from establishing eligibility for a waiver of inadmissibility under section 212(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(h) (2012), as a result of an aggravated felony conviction. Matter of E.W. Rodriguez, 25 I&N Dec. 784 (BIA 2012), and Matter of Koljenovic, 25 I&N Dec. 219 (BIA 2010), withdrawn.


FITZPATRICK, 26 I&N Dec. 559 (BIA 2015) ID 3835 (PDF)

An alien who has voted in an election involving candidates for Federal office in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 611(a) (2012) is removable under section 237(a)(6)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(6)(A) (2012), regardless of whether the alien knew that he or she was committing an unlawful act by voting.


 MONTIEL, 26 I&N Dec. 555 (BIA 2015) ID 3834 (PDF)

Removal proceedings may be delayed, where warranted, pending the adjudication of a direct appeal of a criminal conviction. Matter of Avetisyan, 25 I&N Dec. 688 (BIA 2012), followed.


SILVA-TREVINO, 26 I&N Dec. 550 (A.G. 2015) ID 3833 (PDF)

The Attorney General vacated the opinion in Matter of Silva-Trevino, 24 I&N Dec. 687 (A.G. 2008).


SIMEIO SOLUTIONS, LLC, 26 I&N Dec. 542 (AAO 2015) ID 3832 (PDF)

(1) A change in the place of employment of a beneficiary to a geographical area requiring a corresponding Labor Condition Application for Nonimmigrant Workers ("LCA") be certified to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with respect to that beneficiary may affect eligibility for H-1B status; it is therefore a material change for purposes of 8 C.F.R. §§ 214.2(h)(2)(i)(E) and (11)(i)(A) (2014).

(2) When there is a material change in the terms and conditions of employment, the petitioner must file an amended or new H-1B petition with the corresponding LCA.


CHRISTO'S, INC., 26 I&N Dec. 537 (AAO 2015) ID 3831 (PDF)

(1) An alien who submits false documents representing a nonexistent or fictitious marriage, but who never either entered into or attempted or conspired to enter into a marriage, may intend to evade the immigration laws but is not, by such act alone, considered to have "entered into" or "attempted or conspired to enter into" a marriage for purposes of section 204(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1154(c) (2012). Matter of Concepcion, 16 I&N Dec. 10 (BIA 1976), followed.

(2) Misrepresentations relating to a nonexistent marriage may render the beneficiary inadmissible under section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(6)(C)(i) (2012), when the Director adjudicates the application for adjustment of status.


LEACHENG INTERNATIONAL, INC., 26 I&N Dec. 532 (AAO 2015) ID 3830 (PDF)

(1) The definition of "doing business" at 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(j)(2) (2014) contains no requirement that a petitioner for a multinational manager or executive must provide goods and or services to an unaffiliated third party.

(2) A petitioner may establish that it is "doing business" by demonstrating that it is providing goods and/or services in a regular, systematic, and continuous manner to related companies within its multinational organization.


CERDA REYES, 26 I&N Dec. 528 (BIA 2015) ID 3829 (PDF)

The rules for applying for a bond redetermination at 8 C.F.R. § 1003.19(c) (2014) relate to venue, not jurisdiction.


L-A-C-, 26 I&N Dec. 516 (BIA 2015) ID 3828 (PDF)

(1) Where an Immigration Judge finds that an applicant for asylum or withholding of removal has not provided reasonably available corroborating evidence to establish his claim, the Immigration Judge should first consider the applicant’s explanations for the absence of such evidence and, if a continuance is requested, determine whether there is good cause to continue the proceedings for the applicant to obtain the evidence.

(2) Although an Immigration Judge should consider an applicant’s explanation for the absence of corroborating evidence, section 208(b)(1)(B)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1158(b)(1)(B)(ii) (2012), does not require the Immigration Judge to identify the specific evidence necessary to meet the applicant’s burden of proof and to provide an automatic continuance for the applicant to obtain that evidence prior to rendering a decision on the application.


VIDES CASANOVA, 26 I&N Dec. 494 (BIA 2015)  ID 3827 (PDF)

The respondent is removable under section 237(a)(4)(D) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(4)(D) (2012), where the totality of the record supported the conclusion that, through his "command responsibility" in his role as Director of the Salvadoran National Guard and as Minister of Defense of El Salvador, he participated in the commission of particular acts of torture and extrajudicial killing of civilians in El Salvador, in that they took place while he was in command, he was aware of these abuses during or after the fact, and through both his personal interference with investigations and his inaction, he did not hold the perpetrators accountable.


CROSS, 26 I&N Dec. 485 (BIA 2015)  ID 3826 (PDF)

A person born out of wedlock may qualify as a legitimated "child" of his or her biological parents under section 101(c)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(c)(1) (2012), for purposes of citizenship if he or she was born in a country or State that has eliminated all legal distinctions between children based on the marital status of their parents or had a residence or domicile in such a country or State (including a State within the United States), if otherwise eligible. Matter of Hines, 24 I&N Dec. 544 (BIA 2008), and Matter of Rowe, 23 I&N Dec. 962 (BIA 2006), overruled in part. Matter of Clahar, 18 I&N Dec. 1 (BIA 1981), and Matter of Goorahoo, 20 I&N Dec. 782 (BIA 1994), reaffirmed.


CHAIREZ, 26 I&N Dec. 478 (BIA 2015)  ID 3825 (PDF)

(1) With respect to aggravated felony convictions, Immigration Judges must follow the law of the circuit court of appeals in whose jurisdiction they sit in evaluating issues of divisibility, so the interpretation of Descamps v. United States, 133 S. Ct. 2276 (2013), reflected in Matter of Chairez, 26 I&N Dec. 349 (BIA 2014), applies only insofar as there is no controlling authority to the contrary in the relevant circuit.

(2) Because the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit has taken an approach to divisibility different from that adopted inMatter of Chairez, the law of the Tenth Circuit must be followed in that circuit.


ESQUIVEL-QUINTANA, 26 I&N Dec. 469 (BIA 2015)

ID 3824 (PDF)

(1) For a statutory rape offense that may include a 16- or 17-year-old victim to be categorically "sexual abuse of a minor" under section 101(a)(43)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(A) (2012), the statute must require a meaningful age differential between the victim and the perpetrator. Matter of Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 22 I&N Dec. 991 (BIA 1999), and Matter of V-F-D-, 23 I&N Dec. 859 (BIA 2006), clarified.

(2) The offense of unlawful intercourse with a minor in violation of section 261.5(c) of the California Penal Code, which requires that the minor victim be "more than three years younger" than the perpetrator, categorically constitutes "sexual abuse of a minor" and is therefore an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(A) of the Act.


O. A. HERNANDEZ, 26 I&N Dec. 464 (BIA 2015)

ID 3823 (PDF)

The offense of "deadly conduct" in violation of section 22.05(a) of the Texas Penal Code, which punishes a person who "recklessly engages in conduct that places another in imminent danger of serious bodily injury," is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude.


VELASQUEZ-CRUZ, 26 I&N Dec. 458 (BIA 2014)

ID 3822 (PDF)

An alien's departure from the United States following a criminal conviction for illegal entry under section 275(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1325(a)(1) (2012), interrupts the 10-year period of continuous physical presence required to establish eligibility for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(1) (2012).


UNITED FARM WORKERS FOUNDATION, 26 I&N Dec. 454 (BIA 2014)

ID 3821 (PDF)

A recognized organization need only apply for its representative's accreditation at one location, and if approved, that representative may thereafter practice at any branch location of the organization that has been recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals. Matter of EAC, Inc., 24 I&N Dec. 563 (BIA 2008), modified.


AYUDA, 26 I&N Dec. 449 (BIA 2014)

ID 3820 (PDF)

When assessing an organization's application for recognition, the Board of Immigration Appeals makes an individualized determination whether the applicant's fees qualify as "nominal charges" and whether its fee structure is true to the goal of providing competent low-cost legal services. Matter of American Paralegal Academy, Inc., 19 I&N Dec. 386 (BIA 1986), clarified.


ST. FRANCIS CABRINI IMMIGRATION LAW CENTER, 26 I&N Dec. 445 (BIA 2014)

ID 3819 (PDF)

Where an organization is physically colocated or financially associated with, or otherwise attached to, a for-profit venture, the Board of Immigration Appeals will not approve an application for recognition unless it is confident that the organization will not be influenced, either explicitly or implicitly, by the pecuniary interests of the commercial affiliate.


BETT, 26 I&N Dec. 437 (BIA 2014)

ID 3818 (PDF)

A Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) is admissible in immigration proceedings to support charges of removability against an alien and to determine his or her eligibility for relief from removal.


MUNROE, 26 I&N Dec. 428 (BIA 2014)

ID 3817 (PDF)

For purposes of establishing an alien's eligibility for a waiver under section 216(c)(4)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1186a(c)(4)(A) (2012), the relevant period for determining whether an alien's removal would result in extreme hardship is the 2-year period for which the alien was admitted as a conditional permanent resident.


PINA-GALINDO, 26 I&N Dec. 423 (BIA 2014)

ID 3816 (PDF)

An alien is ineligible for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(1)(C) (2012), if he or she falls within the scope of section 212(a)(2)(B) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(2)(B) (2012), as having been convicted of two or more offenses for which the aggregate sentences imposed were 5 years or more.


FERREIRA, 26 I&N Dec. 415 (BIA 2014)

ID 3815 (PDF)

Where a State statute on its face covers a controlled substance not included in the Federal controlled substances schedules, there must be a realistic probability that the State would prosecute conduct under the statute that falls outside the generic definition of the removable offense to defeat a charge of removability under the categorical approach.


DOMINGUEZ-RODRIGUEZ, 26 I&N Dec. 408 (BIA 2014)

ID 3814 (PDF)

For purposes of section 237(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(B)(i) (2012), the phrase "a single offense involving possession for one's own use of thirty grams or less of marijuana" calls for a circumstance-specific inquiry into the character of the alien's unlawful conduct on a single occasion, not a categorical inquiry into the elements of a single statutory crime. Moncrieffe v. Holder, 133 S. Ct. 1678 (2013), distinguished. Matter of Davey, 26 I&N Dec. 37 (BIA 2012), reaffirmed.


PAEK, 26 I&N Dec. 403 (BIA 2014)

ID 3813 (PDF)

An alien who was admitted to the United States at a port of entry as a conditional permanent resident pursuant to section 216(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1186a(a) (2012), is an alien "lawfully admitted for permanent residence" who is barred from establishing eligibility for a waiver of inadmissibility under section 212(h) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(h) (2012), if he or she was subsequently convicted of an aggravated felony.


HERNANDEZ, 26 I&N Dec. 397 (BIA 2014)

ID 3812 (PDF)

Malicious vandalism in violation of section 594(a) of the California Penal Code with a gang enhancement under section 186.22(d) of the California Penal Code, which requires that the underlying offense be committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang with the specific intent to promote criminal conduct by gang members, is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude.


A-R-C-G-, 26 I&N Dec. 388 (BIA 2014)

ID 3811 (PDF)

Depending on the facts and evidence in an individual case, "married women in Guatemala who are unable to leave their relationship" can constitute a cognizable particular social group that forms the basis of a claim for asylum or withholding of removal under sections 208(a) and 241(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §§ 1158(a) and 1231(b)(3) (2012).


C-C-I-, 26 I&N Dec. 375 (BIA 2014)

ID 3810 (PDF)

(1) Reopening of removal proceedings for a de novo hearing to consider termination of an alien's deferral of removal pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1208.17(d)(1) (2014), is warranted where the Government presents evidence that was not considered at the previous hearing if it is relevant to the possibility that the alien will be tortured in the country to which removal has been deferred.

(2) The doctrine of collateral estoppel does not prevent an Immigration Judge from reevaluating an alien's credibility in light of additional evidence presented at a hearing under 8 C.F.R. § 1208.17(d)(3).


L-G-H-, 26 I&N Dec. 365 (BIA 2014)

ID 3809 (PDF)

Sale of a controlled substance in violation of section 893.13(1)(a)(1) of the Florida Statutes, which lacks a mens rea element with respect to the illicit nature of the substance but requires knowledge of its presence and includes an affirmative defense for ignorance of its unlawful nature, is an "illicit trafficking" aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(B) (2012).


M-L-M-A-, 26 I&N Dec. 360 (BIA 2014)

ID 3808 (PDF)

(1) Because an application for special rule cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(2) (2006), is a continuing one, false testimony given by the respondent more than 3 years prior to the entry of a final administrative order should not be considered in determining whether she is barred from establishing good moral character under section 101(f)(6) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(f)(6) (2006). Matter of Garcia, 24 I&N Dec. 179 (BIA 2007), and Matter of Ortega-Cabrera, 23 I&N Dec. 793 (BIA 2005), followed.

(2) Although the respondent was divorced from her abusive husband and subsequently had a long-term relationship with another man, she had not previously been granted special rule cancellation of removal based on her abusive marriage and had significant equities that merited a favorable exercise of discretion. Matter of A-M-, 25 I&N Dec. 66 (BIA 2009), distinguished.


CHAIREZ, 26 I&N Dec. 349 (BIA 2014)

ID 3807 (PDF)

(1) The categorical approach, which requires a focus on the minimum conduct that has a realistic probability of being prosecuted under the statute of conviction, is employed to determine whether the respondent's conviction for felony discharge of a firearm under section 76-10-508.1 of the Utah Code is for a crime of violence aggravated felony or a firearms offense under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Moncrieffe v. Holder, 133 S. Ct. 1678 (2013), followed.

(2) The Department of Homeland Security did not meet its burden of establishing the respondent's removability as an alien convicted of an aggravated felony where it did not show that section 76-10-508.1 of the Utah Code was divisible with respect to the mens rea necessary to constitute a crime of violence. Descamps v. United States, 133 S. Ct. 2276 (2013), followed. Matter of Lanferman, 25 I&N Dec. 721 (BIA 2012), withdrawn.

(3) Where the respondent did not demonstrate that he or anyone else was successfully prosecuted for discharging an "antique firearm" under section 76-10-508.1 of the Utah Code, which contains no exception for "antique firearms" as defined by 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(16) (2012), the statute was not shown to be categorically overbroad relative to section 237(a)(2)(C) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(C) (2012). Matter of Mendez-Orellana, 25 I&N Dec. 254 (BIA 2010), clarified.


G-G-S-, 26 I&N Dec. 339 (BIA 2014)

ID 3806 (PDF)

An alien's mental health as a factor in a criminal act falls within the province of the criminal courts and is not considered in assessing whether the alien was convicted of a "particularly serious crime" for immigration purposes.


P-S-H-, 26 I&N Dec. 329 (BIA 2014)

ID 3805 (PDF)

To terminate a grant of asylum pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1208.24 (2013), the Department of Homeland Security must establish, by a preponderance of the evidence, that (1) there was fraud in the alien's asylum application and (2) the fraud was such that the alien was not eligible for asylum at the time it was granted; however, proof that the alien knew of the fraud in the application is not required in order to satisfy the first criterion. Matter of A-S-J-, 25 I&N Dec. 893 (BIA 2012), clarified.


DUARTE-LUNA and LUNA, 26 I&N Dec. 325 (BIA 2014)

ID 3804 (PDF)

A parent's continuous physical presence and continuous residence in the United States cannot be imputed to a child for purposes of establishing the child's eligibility for Temporary Protected Status.


E-F-H-L-, 26 I&N Dec. 319 (BIA 2014)

ID 3803 (PDF)

In the ordinary course of removal proceedings, an applicant for asylum or for withholding or deferral of removal is entitled to a hearing on the merits of those applications, including an opportunity to provide oral testimony and other evidence, without first having to establish prima facie eligibility for the requested relief. Matter of Fefe, 20 I&N Dec. 116 (BIA 1989), followed.


JACKSON, 26 I&N Dec. 314 (BIA 2014)

ID 3802 (PDF)

Section 402(a)(2) of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-248, 120 Stat. 587, 622, which bars the approval of a family-based visa petition filed by a petitioner who has been convicted of a "specified offense against a minor" and has not shown that he poses "no risk" to the beneficiary, does not have an impermissible retroactive effect when applied to convictions that occurred before its enactment.


INTROCASO, 26 I&N Dec. 304 (BIA 2014)

ID 3801 (PDF)

(1) In a visa petition case involving the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-248, 120 Stat. 587, the petitioner bears the burden of proving that he has not been convicted of a "specified offense against a minor."

(2) In assessing whether a petitioner has been convicted of a "specified offense against a minor," adjudicators may apply the "circumstance-specific" approach, which permits an inquiry into the facts and conduct underlying the conviction to determine if it is for a disqualifying offense.


ACEIJAS-QUIROZ, 26 I&N Dec. 294 (BIA 2014)

ID 3800 (PDF)

In adjudicating cases involving the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-248, 120 Stat. 587, the Board of Immigration Appeals lacks jurisdiction to review a "no risk" determination by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, including the appropriate standard of proof to be applied.


SIERRA, 26 I&N Dec. 288 (BIA 2014)

ID 3799 (PDF)

Under the law of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the offense of attempted possession of a stolen vehicle in violation of sections 193.330 and 205.273 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, which requires only a mental state of "reason to believe," is not categorically an aggravated felony "theft offense (including receipt of stolen property)" under sections 101(a)(43)(G) and (U) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §§ 1101(a)(43)(G) and (U) (2012).


C-J-H-, 26 I&N Dec. 284 (BIA 2014)

ID 3798 (PDF)

An alien whose status has been adjusted from asylee to lawful permanent resident cannot subsequently readjust status under section 209(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1159(b) (2012).


CHAVEZ-ALVAREZ, 26 I&N Dec. 274 (BIA 2014)

ID 3797 (PDF)

(1) Adjustment of status constitutes an "admission" for purposes of determining an alien's removability under section 237(a)(2)(A)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(A)(iii) (2012), as an alien convicted of an aggravated felony "at any time after admission." Matter of Rosas, 22 I&N Dec. 616 (BIA 1999), reaffirmed.

(2) An element listed in a specification in the Manual for Courts-Martial ("MCM"), which must be pled and proved beyond a reasonable doubt, is the functional equivalent of an "element" of a criminal offense for immigration purposes.

(3) The crime of sodomy by force in violation of article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. § 925 (2000), and the Punitive Articles of the MCM relating to sodomy, is a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 16 (2012) within the definition of an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(F) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(F)(2012).


ABDELGHANY, 26 I&N Dec. 254 (BIA 2014)

ID 3796 (PDF)

(1) A lawful permanent resident who has accrued 7 consecutive years of lawful unrelinquished domicile in the United States and who is removable or deportable by virtue of a plea or conviction entered before April 24, 1996, is eligible to apply for discretionary relief under former section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(c) (1994), unless: (1) the applicant is subject to the grounds of inadmissibility under sections 212(a)(3)(A), (B), (C), or (E), or (10)(C) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. §§ 1182(a)(3)(A), (B), (C), or (E), or (10)(C) (2012); or (2) the applicant has served an aggregate term of imprisonment of at least 5 years as a result of one or more aggravated felony convictions entered between November 29, 1990, and April 24, 1996.

(2) A lawful permanent resident who has accrued 7 consecutive years of lawful unrelinquished domicile in the United States and who is removable or deportable by virtue of a plea or conviction entered between April 24, 1996, and April 1, 1997, is eligible to apply for discretionary relief from removal or deportation under former section 212(c) of the Act unless: (1) the applicant's removal or deportation proceedings commenced on or after April 24, 1996, and the conviction renders the applicant removable or deportable under one or more of the deportability grounds enumerated in section 440(d) of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-132, 110 Stat. 1214, 1277 (as amended); or (2) the applicant is subject to the grounds of inadmissibility under sections 212(a)(3)(A), (B), (C), or (E), or (10)(C) of the Act; or (3) the applicant has served an aggregate term of imprisonment of at least 5 years as a result of one or more aggravated felony convictions entered between November 29, 1990, and April 24, 1996.

(3) A lawful permanent resident who is otherwise eligible for relief under former section 212(c) of the Act may apply for such relief in removal or deportation proceedings without regard to whether the relevant conviction resulted from a plea agreement or a trial and without regard to whether he or she was removable or deportable under the law in effect when the conviction was entered.


M-E-V-G-, 26 I&N Dec. 227 (BIA 2014)

ID 3795 (PDF)

(1) In order to clarify that the "social visibility" element required to establish a cognizable "particular social group" does not mean literal or "ocular" visibility, that element is renamed as "social distinction." Matter of E-A-G-, 24 I&N Dec. 591 (BIA 2008); Matter of S-E-G-, 24 I&N Dec. 579 (BIA 2008); Matter of A-M-E- & J-G-U-, 24 I&N Dec. 69 (BIA 2007); and Matter of C-A-, 23 I&N Dec. 951 (BIA 2006), clarified.

(2) An applicant for asylum or withholding of removal seeking relief based on "membership in a particular social group" must establish that the group is (1) composed of members who share a common immutable characteristic, (2) defined with particularity, and (3) socially distinct within the society in question.

(3) Whether a social group is recognized for asylum purposes is determined by the perception of the society in question, rather than by the perception of the persecutor.


W-G-R-, 26 I&N Dec. 208 (BIA 2014)

ID 3794 (PDF)

(1) In order to clarify that the "social visibility" element required to establish a cognizable "particular social group" does not mean literal or "ocular" visibility, that element is renamed as "social distinction." Matter of E-A-G-, 24 I&N Dec. 591 (BIA 2008); Matter of S-E-G-, 24 I&N Dec. 579 (BIA 2008); Matter of A-M-E- & J-G-U-, 24 I&N Dec. 69 (BIA 2007); and Matter of C-A-, 23 I&N Dec. 951 (BIA 2006), clarified.

(2) An applicant for asylum or withholding of removal seeking relief based on "membership in a particular social group" must establish that the group is (1) composed of members who share a common immutable characteristic, (2) defined with particularity, and (3) socially distinct within the society in question.

(3) An applicant has the burden of demonstrating not only the existence of a cognizable particular social group and his membership in that particular social group, but also a risk of persecution "on account of" his membership in that group.

(4) The respondent did not establish that "former members of the Mara 18 gang in El Salvador who have renounced their gang membership" constitute a "particular social group" or that there is a nexus between the harm he fears and his status as a former gang member.


OPPEDISANO, 26 I&N Dec. 202 (BIA 2013)

ID 3793 (PDF)

The offense of unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (2006) is an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(E)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(E)(ii) (2012).


DOUGLAS, 26 I&N Dec. 197 (BIA 2013)

ID 3792 (PDF)

A child who has satisfied the statutory conditions of former section 321(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1432(a) (2000), before the age of 18 years has acquired United States citizenship, regardless of whether the naturalized parent acquired legal custody of the child before or after the naturalization. Matter of Baires, 24 I&N Dec. 467 (BIA 2008), followed. Jordon v. Attorney General of U.S., 424 F.3d 320 (3d Cir. 2005), not followed.


PINZON, 26 I&N Dec. 189 (BIA 2013)

ID 3791 (PDF)

(1) An alien who enters the United States by falsely claiming United States citizenship is not deemed to have been inspected by an immigration officer, so the entry is not an "admission" under section 101(a)(13)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(13)(A) (2012).

(2) The offense of knowingly and willfully making any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement to obtain a United States passport in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2) (2006) is a crime involving moral turpitude.


ESTRADA, 26 I&N Dec. 180 (BIA 2013)

ID 3790 (PDF)

A spouse or child accompanying or following to join a principal grandfathered alien cannot qualify as a derivative grandfathered alien for purposes of section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1255(i) (2006), by virtue of a spouse or child relationship that arose after April 30, 2001.


TAVAREZ-PERALTA, 26 I&N Dec. 171 (BIA 2013)

ID 3789 (PDF)

(1) An alien convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. § 32(a)(5) (2006), who interfered with a police helicopter pilot by shining a laser light into the pilot's eyes while he operated the helicopter, is removable under section 237(a)(4)(A)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(4)(A)(ii) (2006), as an alien who has engaged in criminal activity that endangers public safety.

(2) A violation of 18 U.S.C. § 32(a)(5) is not a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 16 (2006).


J-G-, 26 I&N Dec. 161 (BIA 2013)

ID 3788 (PDF)

(1) An alien who is subject to an in absentia removal order need not first rescind the order before seeking reopening of the proceedings to apply for asylum and withholding of removal based on changed country conditions arising in the country of the alien's nationality or the country to which removal has been ordered.

(2) The numerical limitations on filing a motion to reopen in 8 C.F.R. § 1003.23(b)(1)(2013) are not applicable to an alien seeking reopening to apply for asylum and withholding of removal based on changed country conditions arising in the country of the alien's nationality or the country to which removal has been ordered.


ZELENIAK, 26 I&N Dec. 158 (BIA 2013)

ID 3787 (PDF)

Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, Pub. L. No. 104 199, 110 Stat. 2419, 2419 (1996), is no longer an impediment to the recognition of lawful same-sex marriages and spouses under the Immigration and Nationality Act if the marriage is valid under the laws of the State where it was celebrated.


FLORES, 26 I&N Dec. 155 (BIA 2013)

ID 3786 (PDF)

The offense of traveling in interstate commerce with the intent to distribute the proceeds of an unlawful drug enterprise in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1952(a)(1)(A) (2006) is not an "aggravated felony" under section 101(a)(43)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(B) (2006), because it is neither a "drug trafficking crime" under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (2006) nor "illicit trafficking in a controlled substance." Matter of Davis, 20 I&N Dec. 536 (BIA 1992), followed.


V-X-, 26 I&N Dec. 147 (BIA 2013)

ID 3785 (PDF)

(1) A grant of asylum is not an "admission" to the United States under section 101(a)(13)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(13)(A)(2006).

(2) When termination of an alien's asylum status occurs in conjunction with removal proceedings pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1208.24 (2013), the Immigration Judge should ordinarily make a threshold determination regarding the termination of asylum status before resolving issues of removability and eligibility for relief from removal.

(3) An adjudication of "youthful trainee" status pursuant to section 762.11 of the Michigan Compiled Laws is a "conviction" under section 101(a)(48)(A) of the Act because such an adjudication does not correspond to a determination of juvenile delinquency under the Federal Juvenile Delinquency Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 5031-5042 (2006). Matter of Devison, 22 I&N Dec. 1362 (BIA 2000), followed.


E-S-I-, 26 I&N Dec. 136 (BIA 2013)

ID 3784 (PDF)

(1) Where the indicia of a respondent's incompetency are manifest, the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") should serve the notice to appear on three individuals: (1) a person with whom the respondent resides, who, when the respondent is detained in a penal or mental institution, will be someone in a position of demonstrated authority in the institution or his or her delegate and, when the respondent is not detained, will be a responsible party in the household, if available; (2) whenever applicable or possible, a relative, guardian, or person similarly close to the respondent; and (3) in most cases, the respondent.

(2) If the DHS did not properly serve the respondent where indicia of incompetency were either manifest or arose at a master calendar hearing that was held shortly after service of the notice to appear, the Immigration Judge should grant a continuance to give the DHS time to effect proper service.

(3) If indicia of incompetency become manifest at a later point in the proceedings and the Immigration Judge determines that safeguards are needed, he or she shouldevaluate the benefit of re-serving the notice to appear in accordance with 8 C.F.R. §§ 103.8(c)(2)(i) and (ii) (2013) as a safeguard.


RIVAS, 26 I&N Dec. 130 (BIA 2013)

ID 3783 (PDF)

A waiver of inadmissibility under section 212(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(h) (2006), is not available on a "stand-alone" basis to an alien in removal proceedings without a concurrently filed application for adjustment of status, and a waiver may not be granted nunc pro tunc to avoid the requirement that the alien must establish eligibility for adjustment.


OTIENDE, 26 I&N Dec. 127 (BIA 2013)

ID 3782 (PDF)

Although a visa petition filed by a petitioner for a spouse may be subject to denial under section 204(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1154(c) (2006), based on the spouse's prior marriage, that section does not prevent the approval of a petition filed on behalf of the spouse's child, which must be considered on its merits to determine whether the child qualifies as the petitioner's "stepchild" under the Act.


MONTOYA-SILVA, 26 I&N Dec. 123 (BIA 2013)

ID 3781 (PDF)

A parent's lawful permanent resident status and residence in the United States cannot be imputed to an unemancipated minor for purposes of establishing the child's eligibility for cancellation of removal under section 240A(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(a) (2006). Matter of Escobar, 24 I&N Dec. 231 (BIA 2007); and Matter of Ramirez-Vargas, 24 I&N Dec. 599 (BIA 2008), reaffirmed.


B-R-, 26 I&N Dec. 119 (BIA 2013)

ID 3780 (PDF)

An alien who is a citizen or national of more than one country but has no fear of persecution in one of those countries does not qualify as a "refugee" under section 101(a)(42) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(42) (2006), and is ineligible for asylum.


BUTT, 26 I&N Dec.108 (BIA 2013)

ID 3779 (PDF)

(1) For purposes of establishing eligibility for adjustment of status under section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1255(i) (2006), an alien seeking to be"grandfathered" must be the beneficiary of an application for labor certification that was "approvable when filed."

(2) An alien will be presumed to be the beneficiary of a "meritorious in fact" labor certification if the application was "properly filed" and "non-frivolous" and if no apparent bars to approval of the labor certification existed at the time it was filed.


CENTRAL CALIFORNIA LEGAL SERVICES, INC., 26 I&N Dec. 105 (BIA 2013)

ID 3778 (PDF)

A recognized organization's application for initial accreditation of a proposed representative must show that the individual has recently completed at least one formal training course that was designed to give new practitioners a solid overview of the fundamentals of immigration law and procedure.


ORTEGA-LOPEZ, 26 I&N Dec. 99 (BIA 2013)

ID 3777 (PDF)

The offense of sponsoring or exhibiting an animal in an animal fighting venture in violation of 7U.S.C. § 2156(a)(1) (2006) is categorically a crime involvingmoral turpitude.


G-K-, 26 I&N Dec. 88 (BIA 2013)

ID 3776 (PDF)

(1) The United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, Nov. 15, 2000, 2225 U.N.T.S. 209 ("UNTOC"), which is intended to help protect witnesses of transnational organized crime from retaliation and intimidation, does not provide an independent basis for relief from removal in immigration proceedings.

(2) The objectives of the UNTOC are advanced in the United States through existing immigration laws and regulations, including the S, T, and U nonimmigrant visas and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, adopted and opened for signature Dec. 10, 1984, G.A. Res. 39/46. 39 U.N. GAORSupp.No. 51, at 197,U.N.Doc.A/RES/39/708 (1984) (entered into force June 26, 1987; for the United States Apr. 18, 1988).

(3) The Board of Immigration Appeals and the Immigration Judges do not have the authority to rule on the constitutionality of the statutes they administer and therefore lack jurisdiction to address a claimthat the statute barring relief for particularly serious crimes is void for vagueness.


CORTES MEDINA, 26 I&N Dec. 79 (BIA 2013)

ID 3775 (PDF)

The offense of indecent exposure in violation of section 314(1) of the California Penal Code, which includes the element of lewd intent, is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude.


SANCHEZ-LOPEZ, 26 I&N Dec. 71 (BIA 2012)

ID 3774 (PDF)

The offense of stalking in violation of section 646.9 of the California Penal Code is "a crime of stalking" under section 237(a)(2)(E)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(E)(i) (2006).


VALENZUELA-FELIX, 26 I&N Dec. 53 (BIA 2012)

ID 3773 (PDF)

When theDepartment ofHomeland Security paroles a returning lawful permanent resident for prosecution, it need not have all the evidence to sustain its burden of proving that the alien is an applicant for admission but may ordinarily rely on the results of a subsequent prosecution to meet that burden in later removal proceedings.


M-H-, 26 I&N Dec. 46 (BIA 2012)

ID 3772 (PDF)

The holding in Matter of N-A-M-, 24 I&N Dec. 336 (BIA 2007), that an offense need not be an aggravated felony to be considered a particularly serious crime for purposes of barring asylum or withholding of removal, should be applied to cases within the jurisdiction of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.


SANCHEZ-HERBERT, 26 I&N Dec. 43 (BIA 2012)

ID 3771 (PDF)

Where an alien fails to appear for a hearing because he has departed the United States, termination of the pending proceedings is not appropriate if the alien received proper notice of the hearing and is removable as charged.


DAVEY, 26 I&N Dec. 37 (BIA 2012)

ID 3770 (PDF)

(1) For purposes of section 237(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(B)(i) (2006), the phrase "a single offense involving possession for one's own use of thirty grams or less of marijuana" calls for a circumstance-specific inquiry into the character of the alien's unlawful conduct on a single occasion, not a categorical inquiry into the elements of a single statutory crime.

(2) An alien convicted of more than one statutory crime may be covered by the exception to deportability for an alien convicted of "a single offense involving possession for one's own use of thirty grams or less ofmarijuana" if all the alien's crimeswere closely related to or connected with a single incident in which the alien possessed 30 grams or less of marijuana for his or her own use, provided that none of those crimeswas inherently more serious than simple possession.


M-Z-M-R-, 26 I&N Dec. 28 (BIA 2012)

ID 3769 (PDF)

(1) In assessing an asylum applicant's ability to internally relocate, an Immigration Judge must determine whether the applicant could avoid future persecution by relocating to another part of the applicant's country of nationality and whether, under all the circumstances, it would be reasonable to expect the applicant to do so.

(2) For an applicant to be able to internally relocate safely, there must be an area of the country where the circumstances are substantially better than those giving rise to a well-founded fear of persecution on the basis of the original claim.

(3) If an applicant is able to internally relocate, an Immigration Judge should balance the factors identified at 8 C.F.R. § 1208.13(b)(3) (2012) in light of the applicable burden of proof to determine whether it would be reasonable under all the circumstances to expect the applicant to relocate.


LEAL, 26 I&N Dec. 20 (BIA 2012)

ID 3768 (PDF)

The offense of "recklessly endangering another person with a substantial risk of imminent death" in violation of section 13-1201(A) of the Arizona Revised Statutes is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude under the definition in Matter of Silva-Trevino, 24 I&N Dec. 687 (A.G. 2008), even though Arizona law defines recklessness to encompass a subjective ignorance of risk resulting from voluntary intoxication.


Y-N-P-, 26 I&N Dec. 10 (BIA 2012)

ID 3767 (PDF)

An applicant for special rule cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(2) (2006), cannot utilize a waiver of inadmissibility under section 212(h) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(h) (2006), to overcome the section 240A(b)(2)(A)(iv) bar resulting from inadmissibility under section 212(a)(2).


E-A-, 26 I&N Dec. 1 (BIA 2012)

ID 3766 (PDF)

(1) In assessing whether there are serious reasons for believing that an applicant for asylum or withholding of removal has committed a serious nonpolitical crime, an Immigration Judge should balance the seriousness of the criminal acts against the political aspect of the conduct to determine whether the criminal nature of the acts outweighs their political character.

(2) When considered together, the applicant's actions as a member of a group that burned passenger buses and cars, threwstones, and disrupted the economic activity of merchants in the market, while pretending to be from the opposition party, reached the level of serious criminal conduct that, when weighed against its political nature, constituted a serious nonpolitical crime.

CALVILLO GARCIA, 26 I&N Dec. 697 (BIA 2015) ID 3855 (PDF)

A term of confinement in a substance abuse treatment facility imposed as a condition of probation pursuant to article 42.12, section 14(a) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure constitutes a "term of confinement" under section 101(a)(48)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(48)(B) (2012), for purposes of determining if an offense is a crime of violence under section 101(a)(43)(F) of the Act.


CASTRO-LOPEZ, 26 I&N Dec. 693 (BIA 2015) ID 3854 (PDF)

The 10 years of continuous physical presence required by 8 C.F.R. § 1240.66(c)(2) (2015) for aliens seeking special rule cancellation of removal under section 203 of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act, Pub. L. No. 105-100, tit. II, 111 Stat. 2160, 2193, 2196 (1997), amended by Pub. L. No. 105-139, 111 Stat. 2644 (1997), should be measured from the alien’s most recently incurred ground of removal, at least where that ground is among those listed in 8 C.F.R. § 1240.66(c)(1).


Y-S-L-C-, 26 I&N Dec. 688 (BIA 2015) ID 3853 (PDF)

(1) The requirements of the Federal Rules of Evidence with respect to the admission of expert testimony are inapposite to a respondent’s testimony regarding events of which he or she has personal knowledge.

(2) Conduct by an Immigration Judge that can be perceived as bullying or hostile is never appropriate, particularly in cases involving minor respondents, and may result in remand to a different Immigration Judge.


CHAIREZ and SAMA, 26 I&N Dec. 686 (A.G. 2015) ID 3852 (PDF)

The Attorney General referred the decisions of the Board of Immigration Appeals to herself for review of an issue relating to the application of Descamps v. United States, 133 S. Ct. 2276 (2013), ordering that those cases be stayed and not be regarded as precedential or binding as to the issue under review during the pendency of her review.


J-S-S-, 26 I&N Dec. 679 (BIA 2015) ID 3851 (PDF)

(1) Neither party bears a formal burden of proof in immigration proceedings to establish whether or not the respondent is mentally competent, but where indicia of incompetency are identified, the Immigration Judge should determine if a preponderance of the evidence establishes that the respondent is competent.

(2) An Immigration Judge’s finding of competency is a finding of fact that the Board of Immigration Appeals reviews to determine if it is clearly erroneous.


GARCIA-RAMIREZ, 26 I&N Dec. 674 (BIA 2015)  ID 3850 (PDF)

(1) Where an alien has the right to a hearing before an Immigration Judge, a voluntary departure or return does not break the alien’s continuous physical presence for purposes of cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(1)(A) (2012), in the absence of evidence that he or she was informed of and waived the right to such a hearing, regardless of whether the encounter occurred at or near the border. Matter of Avilez, 23 I&N Dec. 799 (BIA 2005), clarified.

(2) Evidence that an alien who had the right to a hearing before an Immigration Judge was fingerprinted and/or photographed before being allowed to voluntarily depart is not enough, in itself, to demonstrate a waiver of the right to a hearing or to show a process of sufficient formality to break continuous physical presence. Matter of Castrejon-Colino, 26 I&N Dec. 667 (BIA 2015), followed.


CASTREJON-COLINO, 26 I&N Dec. 667 (BIA 2015)  ID 3849 (PDF)

(1) Where an alien has the right to a hearing before an Immigration Judge, a voluntary departure or return does not break the alien’s continuous physical presence for purposes of cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(1)(A) (2012), in the absence of evidence that he or she was informed of and waived the right to such a hearing. Matter of Avilez, 23 I&N Dec. 799 (BIA 2005), clarified.

(2) Evidence that an alien who had the right to a hearing before an Immigration Judge was fingerprinted and/or photographed before being allowed to voluntarily depart is not enough, in itself, to demonstrate a waiver of the right to a hearing or to show a process of sufficient formality to break continuous physical presence.


R-K-K-, 26 I&N Dec. 658 (BIA 2015)  ID 3848 (PDF)

(1) Significant similarities between statements submitted by applicants in different proceedings can be considered by an Immigration Judge in making an adverse credibility determination if certain procedural steps are undertaken to preserve the fairness of the proceedings.

(2) When relying on inter-proceeding similarities, the Immigration Judge should give the applicant meaningful notice of the similarities and a reasonable opportunity to explain them prior to making a credibility determination that is based on the totality of the circumstances.


M-A-F-, 26 I&N Dec. 651 (BIA 2015)  ID 3847 (PDF)

(1) Where an applicant has filed an asylum application before the May 11, 2005, effective date of the REAL ID Act of 2005, Division B of Pub. L. No. 109-13, 119 Stat. 302, and, on or after that date, submitted a subsequent application that is properly viewed as a new application, the later filing date controls for purposes of determining the applicability of section 208(b)(1)(B)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1158(b)(1)(B)(iii) (2012), to credibility determinations.

(2) A subsequent asylum application is properly viewed as a new application if it presents a previously unraised basis for relief or is predicated on a new or substantially different factual basis.

(3) Where an alien has filed more than one application for asylum and the subsequent one is deemed to be a new application, the filing date of the later application controls for purposes of determining whether the 1-year statutory time bar applies under section 208(a)(2)(B) of the Act.


D-M-C-P-, 26 I&N Dec. 644 (BIA 2015)  ID 3846 (PDF)

(1) Neither an Immigration Judge nor the Board of Immigration Appeals has jurisdiction to consider whether asylum-only proceedings were improvidently instituted pursuant to a referral under the Visa Waiver Program.

(2) It is improper to deem an application for relief abandoned based on the applicant’s failure to comply with the biometrics filing requirement where the record does not reflect that the applicant received notification advisories concerning that requirement, was given a deadline for submitting the biometrics, and was advised of the consequences of his or her failure to comply.


ORDAZ, 26 I&N Dec. 637 (BIA 2015)  ID 3845 (PDF)

A notice to appear that was served on an alien but never resulted in the commencement of removal proceedings does not have "stop-time" effect for purposes of establishing eligibility for cancellation of removal pursuant to section 240A(d)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(d)(1) (2012).


R. HUANG, 26 I&N Dec. 627 (BIA 2015)  ID 3844 (PDF)

The beneficiary of a visa petition who was adopted pursuant to a State court order that was entered when the beneficiary was more than 16 years old, but with an effective date prior to his or her 16th birthday, may qualify as an adopted child under section 101(b)(1)(E)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(b)(1)(E)(i)(2012), so long as the adoption petition was filed before the beneficiary’s 16th birthday and the State in which the adoption was entered expressly permits an adoption decree to be dated retroactively. Matter of Cariaga, 15 I&N Dec. 716 (BIA 1976), and Matter of Drigo, 18 I&N Dec. 223 (BIA 1982), modified.


P. SINGH, 26 I&N Dec. 623 (BIA 2015)  ID 3843 (PDF)

An attorney who admitted to engaging in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice by enlisting his legal assistant to impersonate him during multiple telephonic appearances before Immigration Judges was appropriately suspended from practice before the Immigration Courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and the Department of Homeland Security for a period of 16 months and prohibited from appearing telephonically in the Immigration Courts for 7 years.


PENA, 26 I&N Dec. 613 (BIA 2015) ID 3842 (PDF)

An alien returning to the United States who has been granted lawful permanent resident status cannot be regarded as seeking an admission and may not be charged with inadmissibility under section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a) (2012), if he or she does not fall within any of the exceptions in section 101(a)(13)(C) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(13)(C) (2012). Matter of Koloamatangi, 23 I&N Dec. 548 (BIA 2003), distinguished.


J-R-R-A-, 26 I&N Dec. 609 (BIA 2015)   ID 3841 (PDF)

If an applicant for asylum has competency issues that affect the reliability of his testimony, the Immigration Judge should, as a safeguard, generally accept his fear of harm as subjectively genuine based on the applicant’s perception of events.


FAJARDO ESPINOZA , 26 I&N Dec. 603 (BIA 2015) ID 3840 (PDF)

A grant of Family Unity Program benefits does not constitute an "admission" to the United States under section 101(a)(13)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(13)(A) (2012), for purposes of establishing that an alien has accrued the requisite 7 years of continuous residence after having been "admitted in any status" to be eligible for cancellation of removal under section 240A(a)(2) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(a)(2) (2012). Matter of Reza, 25 I&N Dec. 296 (BIA 2010), reaffirmed. Garcia-Quintero v. Gonzales, 455 F.3d 1006 (9th Cir. 2006), not followed.


FRANCISCO-ALONZO, 26 I&N Dec. 594 (BIA 2015) ID 3839 (PDF)

In determining whether a conviction is for an aggravated felony crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 16(b) (2012), the proper inquiry is whether the conduct encompassed by the elements of the offense presents a substantial risk that physical force may be used in the course of committing the offense in the "ordinary case."


Z-Z-O-, 26 I&N Dec. 586 (BIA 2015) ID 3838 (PDF)

(1) An Immigration Judge’s predictive findings of what may or may not occur in the future are findings of fact, which are subject to a clearly erroneous standard of review. Matter of V-K-, 24 I&N Dec. 500 (BIA 2008), and Matter of A-S-B-, 24 I&N Dec. 493 (BIA 2008), overruled.

(2) Whether an asylum applicant has an objectively reasonable fear of persecution based on the events that the Immigration Judge found may occur upon the applicant’s return to the country of removal is a legal determination that is subject to de novo review.


AGOUR, 26 I&N Dec. 566 (BIA 2015) ID 3837 (PDF)

Adjustment of status constitutes an "admission" for purposes of determining an alien’s eligibility to apply for a waiver under section 237(a)(1)(H) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(1)(H) (2012). Matter of Connelly, 19 I&N Dec. 156 (BIA 1984), distinguished.


J-H-J-, 26 I&N Dec. 563 (BIA 2015)  ID 3836 (PDF)

An alien who adjusted status in the United States, and who has not entered as a lawful permanent resident, is not barred from establishing eligibility for a waiver of inadmissibility under section 212(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(h) (2012), as a result of an aggravated felony conviction. Matter of E.W. Rodriguez, 25 I&N Dec. 784 (BIA 2012), and Matter of Koljenovic, 25 I&N Dec. 219 (BIA 2010), withdrawn.


FITZPATRICK, 26 I&N Dec. 559 (BIA 2015) ID 3835 (PDF)

An alien who has voted in an election involving candidates for Federal office in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 611(a) (2012) is removable under section 237(a)(6)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(6)(A) (2012), regardless of whether the alien knew that he or she was committing an unlawful act by voting.


 MONTIEL, 26 I&N Dec. 555 (BIA 2015) ID 3834 (PDF)

Removal proceedings may be delayed, where warranted, pending the adjudication of a direct appeal of a criminal conviction. Matter of Avetisyan, 25 I&N Dec. 688 (BIA 2012), followed.


SILVA-TREVINO, 26 I&N Dec. 550 (A.G. 2015) ID 3833 (PDF)

The Attorney General vacated the opinion in Matter of Silva-Trevino, 24 I&N Dec. 687 (A.G. 2008).


SIMEIO SOLUTIONS, LLC, 26 I&N Dec. 542 (AAO 2015) ID 3832 (PDF)

(1) A change in the place of employment of a beneficiary to a geographical area requiring a corresponding Labor Condition Application for Nonimmigrant Workers ("LCA") be certified to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with respect to that beneficiary may affect eligibility for H-1B status; it is therefore a material change for purposes of 8 C.F.R. §§ 214.2(h)(2)(i)(E) and (11)(i)(A) (2014).

(2) When there is a material change in the terms and conditions of employment, the petitioner must file an amended or new H-1B petition with the corresponding LCA.


CHRISTO'S, INC., 26 I&N Dec. 537 (AAO 2015) ID 3831 (PDF)

(1) An alien who submits false documents representing a nonexistent or fictitious marriage, but who never either entered into or attempted or conspired to enter into a marriage, may intend to evade the immigration laws but is not, by such act alone, considered to have "entered into" or "attempted or conspired to enter into" a marriage for purposes of section 204(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1154(c) (2012). Matter of Concepcion, 16 I&N Dec. 10 (BIA 1976), followed.

(2) Misrepresentations relating to a nonexistent marriage may render the beneficiary inadmissible under section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(6)(C)(i) (2012), when the Director adjudicates the application for adjustment of status.


LEACHENG INTERNATIONAL, INC., 26 I&N Dec. 532 (AAO 2015) ID 3830 (PDF)

(1) The definition of "doing business" at 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(j)(2) (2014) contains no requirement that a petitioner for a multinational manager or executive must provide goods and or services to an unaffiliated third party.

(2) A petitioner may establish that it is "doing business" by demonstrating that it is providing goods and/or services in a regular, systematic, and continuous manner to related companies within its multinational organization.


CERDA REYES, 26 I&N Dec. 528 (BIA 2015) ID 3829 (PDF)

The rules for applying for a bond redetermination at 8 C.F.R. § 1003.19(c) (2014) relate to venue, not jurisdiction.


L-A-C-, 26 I&N Dec. 516 (BIA 2015) ID 3828 (PDF)

(1) Where an Immigration Judge finds that an applicant for asylum or withholding of removal has not provided reasonably available corroborating evidence to establish his claim, the Immigration Judge should first consider the applicant’s explanations for the absence of such evidence and, if a continuance is requested, determine whether there is good cause to continue the proceedings for the applicant to obtain the evidence.

(2) Although an Immigration Judge should consider an applicant’s explanation for the absence of corroborating evidence, section 208(b)(1)(B)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1158(b)(1)(B)(ii) (2012), does not require the Immigration Judge to identify the specific evidence necessary to meet the applicant’s burden of proof and to provide an automatic continuance for the applicant to obtain that evidence prior to rendering a decision on the application.


VIDES CASANOVA, 26 I&N Dec. 494 (BIA 2015)  ID 3827 (PDF)

The respondent is removable under section 237(a)(4)(D) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(4)(D) (2012), where the totality of the record supported the conclusion that, through his "command responsibility" in his role as Director of the Salvadoran National Guard and as Minister of Defense of El Salvador, he participated in the commission of particular acts of torture and extrajudicial killing of civilians in El Salvador, in that they took place while he was in command, he was aware of these abuses during or after the fact, and through both his personal interference with investigations and his inaction, he did not hold the perpetrators accountable.


CROSS, 26 I&N Dec. 485 (BIA 2015)  ID 3826 (PDF)

A person born out of wedlock may qualify as a legitimated "child" of his or her biological parents under section 101(c)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(c)(1) (2012), for purposes of citizenship if he or she was born in a country or State that has eliminated all legal distinctions between children based on the marital status of their parents or had a residence or domicile in such a country or State (including a State within the United States), if otherwise eligible. Matter of Hines, 24 I&N Dec. 544 (BIA 2008), and Matter of Rowe, 23 I&N Dec. 962 (BIA 2006), overruled in part. Matter of Clahar, 18 I&N Dec. 1 (BIA 1981), and Matter of Goorahoo, 20 I&N Dec. 782 (BIA 1994), reaffirmed.


CHAIREZ, 26 I&N Dec. 478 (BIA 2015)  ID 3825 (PDF)

(1) With respect to aggravated felony convictions, Immigration Judges must follow the law of the circuit court of appeals in whose jurisdiction they sit in evaluating issues of divisibility, so the interpretation of Descamps v. United States, 133 S. Ct. 2276 (2013), reflected in Matter of Chairez, 26 I&N Dec. 349 (BIA 2014), applies only insofar as there is no controlling authority to the contrary in the relevant circuit.

(2) Because the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit has taken an approach to divisibility different from that adopted inMatter of Chairez, the law of the Tenth Circuit must be followed in that circuit.


ESQUIVEL-QUINTANA, 26 I&N Dec. 469 (BIA 2015)

ID 3824 (PDF)

(1) For a statutory rape offense that may include a 16- or 17-year-old victim to be categorically "sexual abuse of a minor" under section 101(a)(43)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(A) (2012), the statute must require a meaningful age differential between the victim and the perpetrator. Matter of Rodriguez-Rodriguez, 22 I&N Dec. 991 (BIA 1999), and Matter of V-F-D-, 23 I&N Dec. 859 (BIA 2006), clarified.

(2) The offense of unlawful intercourse with a minor in violation of section 261.5(c) of the California Penal Code, which requires that the minor victim be "more than three years younger" than the perpetrator, categorically constitutes "sexual abuse of a minor" and is therefore an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(A) of the Act.


O. A. HERNANDEZ, 26 I&N Dec. 464 (BIA 2015)

ID 3823 (PDF)

The offense of "deadly conduct" in violation of section 22.05(a) of the Texas Penal Code, which punishes a person who "recklessly engages in conduct that places another in imminent danger of serious bodily injury," is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude.


VELASQUEZ-CRUZ, 26 I&N Dec. 458 (BIA 2014)

ID 3822 (PDF)

An alien's departure from the United States following a criminal conviction for illegal entry under section 275(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1325(a)(1) (2012), interrupts the 10-year period of continuous physical presence required to establish eligibility for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(1) (2012).


UNITED FARM WORKERS FOUNDATION, 26 I&N Dec. 454 (BIA 2014)

ID 3821 (PDF)

A recognized organization need only apply for its representative's accreditation at one location, and if approved, that representative may thereafter practice at any branch location of the organization that has been recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals. Matter of EAC, Inc., 24 I&N Dec. 563 (BIA 2008), modified.


AYUDA, 26 I&N Dec. 449 (BIA 2014)

ID 3820 (PDF)

When assessing an organization's application for recognition, the Board of Immigration Appeals makes an individualized determination whether the applicant's fees qualify as "nominal charges" and whether its fee structure is true to the goal of providing competent low-cost legal services. Matter of American Paralegal Academy, Inc., 19 I&N Dec. 386 (BIA 1986), clarified.


ST. FRANCIS CABRINI IMMIGRATION LAW CENTER, 26 I&N Dec. 445 (BIA 2014)

ID 3819 (PDF)

Where an organization is physically colocated or financially associated with, or otherwise attached to, a for-profit venture, the Board of Immigration Appeals will not approve an application for recognition unless it is confident that the organization will not be influenced, either explicitly or implicitly, by the pecuniary interests of the commercial affiliate.


BETT, 26 I&N Dec. 437 (BIA 2014)

ID 3818 (PDF)

A Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) is admissible in immigration proceedings to support charges of removability against an alien and to determine his or her eligibility for relief from removal.


MUNROE, 26 I&N Dec. 428 (BIA 2014)

ID 3817 (PDF)

For purposes of establishing an alien's eligibility for a waiver under section 216(c)(4)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1186a(c)(4)(A) (2012), the relevant period for determining whether an alien's removal would result in extreme hardship is the 2-year period for which the alien was admitted as a conditional permanent resident.


PINA-GALINDO, 26 I&N Dec. 423 (BIA 2014)

ID 3816 (PDF)

An alien is ineligible for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(1)(C) (2012), if he or she falls within the scope of section 212(a)(2)(B) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(2)(B) (2012), as having been convicted of two or more offenses for which the aggregate sentences imposed were 5 years or more.


FERREIRA, 26 I&N Dec. 415 (BIA 2014)

ID 3815 (PDF)

Where a State statute on its face covers a controlled substance not included in the Federal controlled substances schedules, there must be a realistic probability that the State would prosecute conduct under the statute that falls outside the generic definition of the removable offense to defeat a charge of removability under the categorical approach.


DOMINGUEZ-RODRIGUEZ, 26 I&N Dec. 408 (BIA 2014)

ID 3814 (PDF)

For purposes of section 237(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(B)(i) (2012), the phrase "a single offense involving possession for one's own use of thirty grams or less of marijuana" calls for a circumstance-specific inquiry into the character of the alien's unlawful conduct on a single occasion, not a categorical inquiry into the elements of a single statutory crime. Moncrieffe v. Holder, 133 S. Ct. 1678 (2013), distinguished. Matter of Davey, 26 I&N Dec. 37 (BIA 2012), reaffirmed.


PAEK, 26 I&N Dec. 403 (BIA 2014)

ID 3813 (PDF)

An alien who was admitted to the United States at a port of entry as a conditional permanent resident pursuant to section 216(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1186a(a) (2012), is an alien "lawfully admitted for permanent residence" who is barred from establishing eligibility for a waiver of inadmissibility under section 212(h) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(h) (2012), if he or she was subsequently convicted of an aggravated felony.


HERNANDEZ, 26 I&N Dec. 397 (BIA 2014)

ID 3812 (PDF)

Malicious vandalism in violation of section 594(a) of the California Penal Code with a gang enhancement under section 186.22(d) of the California Penal Code, which requires that the underlying offense be committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang with the specific intent to promote criminal conduct by gang members, is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude.


A-R-C-G-, 26 I&N Dec. 388 (BIA 2014)

ID 3811 (PDF)

Depending on the facts and evidence in an individual case, "married women in Guatemala who are unable to leave their relationship" can constitute a cognizable particular social group that forms the basis of a claim for asylum or withholding of removal under sections 208(a) and 241(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §§ 1158(a) and 1231(b)(3) (2012).


C-C-I-, 26 I&N Dec. 375 (BIA 2014)

ID 3810 (PDF)

(1) Reopening of removal proceedings for a de novo hearing to consider termination of an alien's deferral of removal pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1208.17(d)(1) (2014), is warranted where the Government presents evidence that was not considered at the previous hearing if it is relevant to the possibility that the alien will be tortured in the country to which removal has been deferred.

(2) The doctrine of collateral estoppel does not prevent an Immigration Judge from reevaluating an alien's credibility in light of additional evidence presented at a hearing under 8 C.F.R. § 1208.17(d)(3).


L-G-H-, 26 I&N Dec. 365 (BIA 2014)

ID 3809 (PDF)

Sale of a controlled substance in violation of section 893.13(1)(a)(1) of the Florida Statutes, which lacks a mens rea element with respect to the illicit nature of the substance but requires knowledge of its presence and includes an affirmative defense for ignorance of its unlawful nature, is an "illicit trafficking" aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(B) (2012).


M-L-M-A-, 26 I&N Dec. 360 (BIA 2014)

ID 3808 (PDF)

(1) Because an application for special rule cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(2) (2006), is a continuing one, false testimony given by the respondent more than 3 years prior to the entry of a final administrative order should not be considered in determining whether she is barred from establishing good moral character under section 101(f)(6) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(f)(6) (2006). Matter of Garcia, 24 I&N Dec. 179 (BIA 2007), and Matter of Ortega-Cabrera, 23 I&N Dec. 793 (BIA 2005), followed.

(2) Although the respondent was divorced from her abusive husband and subsequently had a long-term relationship with another man, she had not previously been granted special rule cancellation of removal based on her abusive marriage and had significant equities that merited a favorable exercise of discretion. Matter of A-M-, 25 I&N Dec. 66 (BIA 2009), distinguished.


CHAIREZ, 26 I&N Dec. 349 (BIA 2014)

ID 3807 (PDF)

(1) The categorical approach, which requires a focus on the minimum conduct that has a realistic probability of being prosecuted under the statute of conviction, is employed to determine whether the respondent's conviction for felony discharge of a firearm under section 76-10-508.1 of the Utah Code is for a crime of violence aggravated felony or a firearms offense under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Moncrieffe v. Holder, 133 S. Ct. 1678 (2013), followed.

(2) The Department of Homeland Security did not meet its burden of establishing the respondent's removability as an alien convicted of an aggravated felony where it did not show that section 76-10-508.1 of the Utah Code was divisible with respect to the mens rea necessary to constitute a crime of violence. Descamps v. United States, 133 S. Ct. 2276 (2013), followed. Matter of Lanferman, 25 I&N Dec. 721 (BIA 2012), withdrawn.

(3) Where the respondent did not demonstrate that he or anyone else was successfully prosecuted for discharging an "antique firearm" under section 76-10-508.1 of the Utah Code, which contains no exception for "antique firearms" as defined by 18 U.S.C. § 921(a)(16) (2012), the statute was not shown to be categorically overbroad relative to section 237(a)(2)(C) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(C) (2012). Matter of Mendez-Orellana, 25 I&N Dec. 254 (BIA 2010), clarified.


G-G-S-, 26 I&N Dec. 339 (BIA 2014)

ID 3806 (PDF)

An alien's mental health as a factor in a criminal act falls within the province of the criminal courts and is not considered in assessing whether the alien was convicted of a "particularly serious crime" for immigration purposes.


P-S-H-, 26 I&N Dec. 329 (BIA 2014)

ID 3805 (PDF)

To terminate a grant of asylum pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1208.24 (2013), the Department of Homeland Security must establish, by a preponderance of the evidence, that (1) there was fraud in the alien's asylum application and (2) the fraud was such that the alien was not eligible for asylum at the time it was granted; however, proof that the alien knew of the fraud in the application is not required in order to satisfy the first criterion. Matter of A-S-J-, 25 I&N Dec. 893 (BIA 2012), clarified.


DUARTE-LUNA and LUNA, 26 I&N Dec. 325 (BIA 2014)

ID 3804 (PDF)

A parent's continuous physical presence and continuous residence in the United States cannot be imputed to a child for purposes of establishing the child's eligibility for Temporary Protected Status.


E-F-H-L-, 26 I&N Dec. 319 (BIA 2014)

ID 3803 (PDF)

In the ordinary course of removal proceedings, an applicant for asylum or for withholding or deferral of removal is entitled to a hearing on the merits of those applications, including an opportunity to provide oral testimony and other evidence, without first having to establish prima facie eligibility for the requested relief. Matter of Fefe, 20 I&N Dec. 116 (BIA 1989), followed.


JACKSON, 26 I&N Dec. 314 (BIA 2014)

ID 3802 (PDF)

Section 402(a)(2) of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-248, 120 Stat. 587, 622, which bars the approval of a family-based visa petition filed by a petitioner who has been convicted of a "specified offense against a minor" and has not shown that he poses "no risk" to the beneficiary, does not have an impermissible retroactive effect when applied to convictions that occurred before its enactment.


INTROCASO, 26 I&N Dec. 304 (BIA 2014)

ID 3801 (PDF)

(1) In a visa petition case involving the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-248, 120 Stat. 587, the petitioner bears the burden of proving that he has not been convicted of a "specified offense against a minor."

(2) In assessing whether a petitioner has been convicted of a "specified offense against a minor," adjudicators may apply the "circumstance-specific" approach, which permits an inquiry into the facts and conduct underlying the conviction to determine if it is for a disqualifying offense.


ACEIJAS-QUIROZ, 26 I&N Dec. 294 (BIA 2014)

ID 3800 (PDF)

In adjudicating cases involving the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-248, 120 Stat. 587, the Board of Immigration Appeals lacks jurisdiction to review a "no risk" determination by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, including the appropriate standard of proof to be applied.


SIERRA, 26 I&N Dec. 288 (BIA 2014)

ID 3799 (PDF)

Under the law of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the offense of attempted possession of a stolen vehicle in violation of sections 193.330 and 205.273 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, which requires only a mental state of "reason to believe," is not categorically an aggravated felony "theft offense (including receipt of stolen property)" under sections 101(a)(43)(G) and (U) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §§ 1101(a)(43)(G) and (U) (2012).


C-J-H-, 26 I&N Dec. 284 (BIA 2014)

ID 3798 (PDF)

An alien whose status has been adjusted from asylee to lawful permanent resident cannot subsequently readjust status under section 209(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1159(b) (2012).


CHAVEZ-ALVAREZ, 26 I&N Dec. 274 (BIA 2014)

ID 3797 (PDF)

(1) Adjustment of status constitutes an "admission" for purposes of determining an alien's removability under section 237(a)(2)(A)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(A)(iii) (2012), as an alien convicted of an aggravated felony "at any time after admission." Matter of Rosas, 22 I&N Dec. 616 (BIA 1999), reaffirmed.

(2) An element listed in a specification in the Manual for Courts-Martial ("MCM"), which must be pled and proved beyond a reasonable doubt, is the functional equivalent of an "element" of a criminal offense for immigration purposes.

(3) The crime of sodomy by force in violation of article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, 10 U.S.C. § 925 (2000), and the Punitive Articles of the MCM relating to sodomy, is a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 16 (2012) within the definition of an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(F) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(F)(2012).


ABDELGHANY, 26 I&N Dec. 254 (BIA 2014)

ID 3796 (PDF)

(1) A lawful permanent resident who has accrued 7 consecutive years of lawful unrelinquished domicile in the United States and who is removable or deportable by virtue of a plea or conviction entered before April 24, 1996, is eligible to apply for discretionary relief under former section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(c) (1994), unless: (1) the applicant is subject to the grounds of inadmissibility under sections 212(a)(3)(A), (B), (C), or (E), or (10)(C) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. §§ 1182(a)(3)(A), (B), (C), or (E), or (10)(C) (2012); or (2) the applicant has served an aggregate term of imprisonment of at least 5 years as a result of one or more aggravated felony convictions entered between November 29, 1990, and April 24, 1996.

(2) A lawful permanent resident who has accrued 7 consecutive years of lawful unrelinquished domicile in the United States and who is removable or deportable by virtue of a plea or conviction entered between April 24, 1996, and April 1, 1997, is eligible to apply for discretionary relief from removal or deportation under former section 212(c) of the Act unless: (1) the applicant's removal or deportation proceedings commenced on or after April 24, 1996, and the conviction renders the applicant removable or deportable under one or more of the deportability grounds enumerated in section 440(d) of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-132, 110 Stat. 1214, 1277 (as amended); or (2) the applicant is subject to the grounds of inadmissibility under sections 212(a)(3)(A), (B), (C), or (E), or (10)(C) of the Act; or (3) the applicant has served an aggregate term of imprisonment of at least 5 years as a result of one or more aggravated felony convictions entered between November 29, 1990, and April 24, 1996.

(3) A lawful permanent resident who is otherwise eligible for relief under former section 212(c) of the Act may apply for such relief in removal or deportation proceedings without regard to whether the relevant conviction resulted from a plea agreement or a trial and without regard to whether he or she was removable or deportable under the law in effect when the conviction was entered.


M-E-V-G-, 26 I&N Dec. 227 (BIA 2014)

ID 3795 (PDF)

(1) In order to clarify that the "social visibility" element required to establish a cognizable "particular social group" does not mean literal or "ocular" visibility, that element is renamed as "social distinction." Matter of E-A-G-, 24 I&N Dec. 591 (BIA 2008); Matter of S-E-G-, 24 I&N Dec. 579 (BIA 2008); Matter of A-M-E- & J-G-U-, 24 I&N Dec. 69 (BIA 2007); and Matter of C-A-, 23 I&N Dec. 951 (BIA 2006), clarified.

(2) An applicant for asylum or withholding of removal seeking relief based on "membership in a particular social group" must establish that the group is (1) composed of members who share a common immutable characteristic, (2) defined with particularity, and (3) socially distinct within the society in question.

(3) Whether a social group is recognized for asylum purposes is determined by the perception of the society in question, rather than by the perception of the persecutor.


W-G-R-, 26 I&N Dec. 208 (BIA 2014)

ID 3794 (PDF)

(1) In order to clarify that the "social visibility" element required to establish a cognizable "particular social group" does not mean literal or "ocular" visibility, that element is renamed as "social distinction." Matter of E-A-G-, 24 I&N Dec. 591 (BIA 2008); Matter of S-E-G-, 24 I&N Dec. 579 (BIA 2008); Matter of A-M-E- & J-G-U-, 24 I&N Dec. 69 (BIA 2007); and Matter of C-A-, 23 I&N Dec. 951 (BIA 2006), clarified.

(2) An applicant for asylum or withholding of removal seeking relief based on "membership in a particular social group" must establish that the group is (1) composed of members who share a common immutable characteristic, (2) defined with particularity, and (3) socially distinct within the society in question.

(3) An applicant has the burden of demonstrating not only the existence of a cognizable particular social group and his membership in that particular social group, but also a risk of persecution "on account of" his membership in that group.

(4) The respondent did not establish that "former members of the Mara 18 gang in El Salvador who have renounced their gang membership" constitute a "particular social group" or that there is a nexus between the harm he fears and his status as a former gang member.


OPPEDISANO, 26 I&N Dec. 202 (BIA 2013)

ID 3793 (PDF)

The offense of unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (2006) is an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(E)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(E)(ii) (2012).


DOUGLAS, 26 I&N Dec. 197 (BIA 2013)

ID 3792 (PDF)

A child who has satisfied the statutory conditions of former section 321(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1432(a) (2000), before the age of 18 years has acquired United States citizenship, regardless of whether the naturalized parent acquired legal custody of the child before or after the naturalization. Matter of Baires, 24 I&N Dec. 467 (BIA 2008), followed. Jordon v. Attorney General of U.S., 424 F.3d 320 (3d Cir. 2005), not followed.


PINZON, 26 I&N Dec. 189 (BIA 2013)

ID 3791 (PDF)

(1) An alien who enters the United States by falsely claiming United States citizenship is not deemed to have been inspected by an immigration officer, so the entry is not an "admission" under section 101(a)(13)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(13)(A) (2012).

(2) The offense of knowingly and willfully making any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement to obtain a United States passport in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2) (2006) is a crime involving moral turpitude.


ESTRADA, 26 I&N Dec. 180 (BIA 2013)

ID 3790 (PDF)

A spouse or child accompanying or following to join a principal grandfathered alien cannot qualify as a derivative grandfathered alien for purposes of section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1255(i) (2006), by virtue of a spouse or child relationship that arose after April 30, 2001.


TAVAREZ-PERALTA, 26 I&N Dec. 171 (BIA 2013)

ID 3789 (PDF)

(1) An alien convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. § 32(a)(5) (2006), who interfered with a police helicopter pilot by shining a laser light into the pilot's eyes while he operated the helicopter, is removable under section 237(a)(4)(A)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(4)(A)(ii) (2006), as an alien who has engaged in criminal activity that endangers public safety.

(2) A violation of 18 U.S.C. § 32(a)(5) is not a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 16 (2006).


J-G-, 26 I&N Dec. 161 (BIA 2013)

ID 3788 (PDF)

(1) An alien who is subject to an in absentia removal order need not first rescind the order before seeking reopening of the proceedings to apply for asylum and withholding of removal based on changed country conditions arising in the country of the alien's nationality or the country to which removal has been ordered.

(2) The numerical limitations on filing a motion to reopen in 8 C.F.R. § 1003.23(b)(1)(2013) are not applicable to an alien seeking reopening to apply for asylum and withholding of removal based on changed country conditions arising in the country of the alien's nationality or the country to which removal has been ordered.


ZELENIAK, 26 I&N Dec. 158 (BIA 2013)

ID 3787 (PDF)

Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, Pub. L. No. 104 199, 110 Stat. 2419, 2419 (1996), is no longer an impediment to the recognition of lawful same-sex marriages and spouses under the Immigration and Nationality Act if the marriage is valid under the laws of the State where it was celebrated.


FLORES, 26 I&N Dec. 155 (BIA 2013)

ID 3786 (PDF)

The offense of traveling in interstate commerce with the intent to distribute the proceeds of an unlawful drug enterprise in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1952(a)(1)(A) (2006) is not an "aggravated felony" under section 101(a)(43)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(B) (2006), because it is neither a "drug trafficking crime" under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (2006) nor "illicit trafficking in a controlled substance." Matter of Davis, 20 I&N Dec. 536 (BIA 1992), followed.


V-X-, 26 I&N Dec. 147 (BIA 2013)

ID 3785 (PDF)

(1) A grant of asylum is not an "admission" to the United States under section 101(a)(13)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(13)(A)(2006).

(2) When termination of an alien's asylum status occurs in conjunction with removal proceedings pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1208.24 (2013), the Immigration Judge should ordinarily make a threshold determination regarding the termination of asylum status before resolving issues of removability and eligibility for relief from removal.

(3) An adjudication of "youthful trainee" status pursuant to section 762.11 of the Michigan Compiled Laws is a "conviction" under section 101(a)(48)(A) of the Act because such an adjudication does not correspond to a determination of juvenile delinquency under the Federal Juvenile Delinquency Act, 18 U.S.C. §§ 5031-5042 (2006). Matter of Devison, 22 I&N Dec. 1362 (BIA 2000), followed.


E-S-I-, 26 I&N Dec. 136 (BIA 2013)

ID 3784 (PDF)

(1) Where the indicia of a respondent's incompetency are manifest, the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") should serve the notice to appear on three individuals: (1) a person with whom the respondent resides, who, when the respondent is detained in a penal or mental institution, will be someone in a position of demonstrated authority in the institution or his or her delegate and, when the respondent is not detained, will be a responsible party in the household, if available; (2) whenever applicable or possible, a relative, guardian, or person similarly close to the respondent; and (3) in most cases, the respondent.

(2) If the DHS did not properly serve the respondent where indicia of incompetency were either manifest or arose at a master calendar hearing that was held shortly after service of the notice to appear, the Immigration Judge should grant a continuance to give the DHS time to effect proper service.

(3) If indicia of incompetency become manifest at a later point in the proceedings and the Immigration Judge determines that safeguards are needed, he or she shouldevaluate the benefit of re-serving the notice to appear in accordance with 8 C.F.R. §§ 103.8(c)(2)(i) and (ii) (2013) as a safeguard.


RIVAS, 26 I&N Dec. 130 (BIA 2013)

ID 3783 (PDF)

A waiver of inadmissibility under section 212(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(h) (2006), is not available on a "stand-alone" basis to an alien in removal proceedings without a concurrently filed application for adjustment of status, and a waiver may not be granted nunc pro tunc to avoid the requirement that the alien must establish eligibility for adjustment.


OTIENDE, 26 I&N Dec. 127 (BIA 2013)

ID 3782 (PDF)

Although a visa petition filed by a petitioner for a spouse may be subject to denial under section 204(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1154(c) (2006), based on the spouse's prior marriage, that section does not prevent the approval of a petition filed on behalf of the spouse's child, which must be considered on its merits to determine whether the child qualifies as the petitioner's "stepchild" under the Act.


MONTOYA-SILVA, 26 I&N Dec. 123 (BIA 2013)

ID 3781 (PDF)

A parent's lawful permanent resident status and residence in the United States cannot be imputed to an unemancipated minor for purposes of establishing the child's eligibility for cancellation of removal under section 240A(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(a) (2006). Matter of Escobar, 24 I&N Dec. 231 (BIA 2007); and Matter of Ramirez-Vargas, 24 I&N Dec. 599 (BIA 2008), reaffirmed.


B-R-, 26 I&N Dec. 119 (BIA 2013)

ID 3780 (PDF)

An alien who is a citizen or national of more than one country but has no fear of persecution in one of those countries does not qualify as a "refugee" under section 101(a)(42) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(42) (2006), and is ineligible for asylum.


BUTT, 26 I&N Dec.108 (BIA 2013)

ID 3779 (PDF)

(1) For purposes of establishing eligibility for adjustment of status under section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1255(i) (2006), an alien seeking to be"grandfathered" must be the beneficiary of an application for labor certification that was "approvable when filed."

(2) An alien will be presumed to be the beneficiary of a "meritorious in fact" labor certification if the application was "properly filed" and "non-frivolous" and if no apparent bars to approval of the labor certification existed at the time it was filed.


CENTRAL CALIFORNIA LEGAL SERVICES, INC., 26 I&N Dec. 105 (BIA 2013)

ID 3778 (PDF)

A recognized organization's application for initial accreditation of a proposed representative must show that the individual has recently completed at least one formal training course that was designed to give new practitioners a solid overview of the fundamentals of immigration law and procedure.


ORTEGA-LOPEZ, 26 I&N Dec. 99 (BIA 2013)

ID 3777 (PDF)

The offense of sponsoring or exhibiting an animal in an animal fighting venture in violation of 7U.S.C. § 2156(a)(1) (2006) is categorically a crime involvingmoral turpitude.


G-K-, 26 I&N Dec. 88 (BIA 2013)

ID 3776 (PDF)

(1) The United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime, Nov. 15, 2000, 2225 U.N.T.S. 209 ("UNTOC"), which is intended to help protect witnesses of transnational organized crime from retaliation and intimidation, does not provide an independent basis for relief from removal in immigration proceedings.

(2) The objectives of the UNTOC are advanced in the United States through existing immigration laws and regulations, including the S, T, and U nonimmigrant visas and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, adopted and opened for signature Dec. 10, 1984, G.A. Res. 39/46. 39 U.N. GAORSupp.No. 51, at 197,U.N.Doc.A/RES/39/708 (1984) (entered into force June 26, 1987; for the United States Apr. 18, 1988).

(3) The Board of Immigration Appeals and the Immigration Judges do not have the authority to rule on the constitutionality of the statutes they administer and therefore lack jurisdiction to address a claimthat the statute barring relief for particularly serious crimes is void for vagueness.


CORTES MEDINA, 26 I&N Dec. 79 (BIA 2013)

ID 3775 (PDF)

The offense of indecent exposure in violation of section 314(1) of the California Penal Code, which includes the element of lewd intent, is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude.


SANCHEZ-LOPEZ, 26 I&N Dec. 71 (BIA 2012)

ID 3774 (PDF)

The offense of stalking in violation of section 646.9 of the California Penal Code is "a crime of stalking" under section 237(a)(2)(E)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(E)(i) (2006).


VALENZUELA-FELIX, 26 I&N Dec. 53 (BIA 2012)

ID 3773 (PDF)

When theDepartment ofHomeland Security paroles a returning lawful permanent resident for prosecution, it need not have all the evidence to sustain its burden of proving that the alien is an applicant for admission but may ordinarily rely on the results of a subsequent prosecution to meet that burden in later removal proceedings.


M-H-, 26 I&N Dec. 46 (BIA 2012)

ID 3772 (PDF)

The holding in Matter of N-A-M-, 24 I&N Dec. 336 (BIA 2007), that an offense need not be an aggravated felony to be considered a particularly serious crime for purposes of barring asylum or withholding of removal, should be applied to cases within the jurisdiction of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.


SANCHEZ-HERBERT, 26 I&N Dec. 43 (BIA 2012)

ID 3771 (PDF)

Where an alien fails to appear for a hearing because he has departed the United States, termination of the pending proceedings is not appropriate if the alien received proper notice of the hearing and is removable as charged.


DAVEY, 26 I&N Dec. 37 (BIA 2012)

ID 3770 (PDF)

(1) For purposes of section 237(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(B)(i) (2006), the phrase "a single offense involving possession for one's own use of thirty grams or less of marijuana" calls for a circumstance-specific inquiry into the character of the alien's unlawful conduct on a single occasion, not a categorical inquiry into the elements of a single statutory crime.

(2) An alien convicted of more than one statutory crime may be covered by the exception to deportability for an alien convicted of "a single offense involving possession for one's own use of thirty grams or less ofmarijuana" if all the alien's crimeswere closely related to or connected with a single incident in which the alien possessed 30 grams or less of marijuana for his or her own use, provided that none of those crimeswas inherently more serious than simple possession.


M-Z-M-R-, 26 I&N Dec. 28 (BIA 2012)

ID 3769 (PDF)

(1) In assessing an asylum applicant's ability to internally relocate, an Immigration Judge must determine whether the applicant could avoid future persecution by relocating to another part of the applicant's country of nationality and whether, under all the circumstances, it would be reasonable to expect the applicant to do so.

(2) For an applicant to be able to internally relocate safely, there must be an area of the country where the circumstances are substantially better than those giving rise to a well-founded fear of persecution on the basis of the original claim.

(3) If an applicant is able to internally relocate, an Immigration Judge should balance the factors identified at 8 C.F.R. § 1208.13(b)(3) (2012) in light of the applicable burden of proof to determine whether it would be reasonable under all the circumstances to expect the applicant to relocate.


LEAL, 26 I&N Dec. 20 (BIA 2012)

ID 3768 (PDF)

The offense of "recklessly endangering another person with a substantial risk of imminent death" in violation of section 13-1201(A) of the Arizona Revised Statutes is categorically a crime involving moral turpitude under the definition in Matter of Silva-Trevino, 24 I&N Dec. 687 (A.G. 2008), even though Arizona law defines recklessness to encompass a subjective ignorance of risk resulting from voluntary intoxication.


Y-N-P-, 26 I&N Dec. 10 (BIA 2012)

ID 3767 (PDF)

An applicant for special rule cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(2) (2006), cannot utilize a waiver of inadmissibility under section 212(h) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(h) (2006), to overcome the section 240A(b)(2)(A)(iv) bar resulting from inadmissibility under section 212(a)(2).


E-A-, 26 I&N Dec. 1 (BIA 2012)

ID 3766 (PDF)

(1) In assessing whether there are serious reasons for believing that an applicant for asylum or withholding of removal has committed a serious nonpolitical crime, an Immigration Judge should balance the seriousness of the criminal acts against the political aspect of the conduct to determine whether the criminal nature of the acts outweighs their political character.

(2) When considered together, the applicant's actions as a member of a group that burned passenger buses and cars, threwstones, and disrupted the economic activity of merchants in the market, while pretending to be from the opposition party, reached the level of serious criminal conduct that, when weighed against its political nature, constituted a serious nonpolitical crime.

GUZMAN-GOMEZ, 24 I&N Dec. 824 (BIA 2009)

ID 3642 (PDF)

(1) The terms "child" and "parent" defined at section 101(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(c) (2006), do not encompass stepchildren and stepparents.

(2) A person born outside the United States cannot derive United States citizenship under section 320(a) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1431(a) (2006), by virtue of his or her relationship to a nonadoptive stepparent.


CARDENAS ABREU, 24 I&N Dec. 795 (BIA 2009)

ID 3641 (PDF)

A pending late-reinstated appeal of a criminal conviction, filed pursuant to section 460.30 of the New York Criminal Procedure Law, does not undermine the finality of the conviction for purposes of the immigration laws.


HASHMI, 24 I&N Dec. 785 (BIA 2009)

ID 3640 (PDF)

(1) An alien's unopposed motion to continue ongoing removal proceedings to await the adjudication of a pending family-based visa petition should generally be granted if approval of the visa petition would render him prima facie eligible for adjustment of status. Matter of Garcia, 16 I&N Dec. 653 (BIA 1978), followed.

(2) In determining whether good cause exists to continue such proceedings, a variety of factors may be considered, including, but not limited to: (1) the Department of Homeland Security's response to the motion to continue; (2) whether the underlying visa petition is prima facie approvable; (3) the respondent's statutory eligibility for adjustment of status; (4) whether the respondent's application for adjustment merits a favorable exercise of discretion; and (5) the reason for the continuance and any other relevant procedural factors.


MARTINEZ-MONTALVO, 24 I&N Dec. 778 (BIA 2009)

ID 3639 (PDF)

Under 8 C.F.R. §§ 245.2(a)(1) and 1245.2(a)(1)(ii) (2008), Immigration Judges have no jurisdiction to adjudicate an application filed by an arriving alien seeking adjustment of status under the Cuban Refugee Adjustment Act of November 2, 1966, Pub. L. No. 89-732, 80 Stat. 1161, as amended, with the limited exception of an alien who has been placed in removal proceedings after returning to the United States pursuant to a grant of advance parole to pursue a previously filed application. Matter of Artigas, 23 I&N Dec. 99 (BIA 2001), superseded.


ALMANZA, 24 I&N Dec. 771 (BIA 2009)

ID 3638 (PDF)

(1) An alien whose application for relief from removal was filed after the May 11, 2005, effective date of the REAL ID Act of 2005, Division B of Pub. L. No. 109-13, 119 Stat. 231 ("REAL ID Act"), has the burden to prove that he satisfies the applicable eligibility requirements and merits a favorable exercise of discretion under section 240(c)(4)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229a(c)(4)(A) (2006), and must provide corroborating evidence requested by the Immigration Judge pursuant to section 240(c)(4)(B), unless it cannot be reasonably obtained

(2) An alien whose application for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(1) (2006), is governed by the provisions of the REAL ID Act, and who has been convicted of an offense under a divisible criminal statute, has the burden to establish that the conviction was not pursuant to any part of the statute that reaches conduct involving moral turpitude, including the burden to produce corroborating conviction documents, such as a transcript of the criminal proceedings, as reasonably requested by the Immigration Judge. Sandoval-Lua v. Gonzales, 499 F.3d 1121 (9th Cir. 2007), distinguished.

(3) An alien who has been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude has been "convicted of an offense under" section 237(a)(2) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(2006), and is therefore ineligible for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1)(C), regardless of his status as an arriving alien or his eligibility for a petty offense exception under section 212(a)(2)(A)(ii)(II) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(2)(A)(ii)(II) (2006).


ZORILLA-VIDAL, 24 I&N Dec. 768 (BIA 2009)

ID 3637 (PDF)

Outside the jurisdiction of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, a conviction for criminal solicitation under a State's general purpose solicitation statute is a conviction for a violation of a law "relating to a controlled substance" under section 237(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(B)(i) (2006), where the record of conviction reflects that the crime solicited is an offense relating to a controlled substance. Matter of Beltran, 20 I&N Dec. 521 (BIA 1992), reaffirmed. Coronado-Durazo v. INS, 123 F.3d 1322 (9th Cir. 1997), followed in jurisdiction only.


M-A-S-, 24 I&N Dec. 762 (BIA 2009)

ID 3636 (PDF)

An Immigration Judge may order an alien detained until departure as a condition of a grant of voluntary departure.


LOUISSAINT, 24 I&N Dec. 754 (BIA 2009)

ID 3635 (PDF)

(1) The categorical approach for determining if a particular crime involves moral turpitude set forth in Matter of Silva-Trevino, 24 I&N Dec. 687 (A.G. 2008), requires the traditional categorical analysis, which was used by the United States Supreme Court in Gonzales v. Duenas-Alvarez, 549 U.S. 183 (2007), and includes an inquiry into whether there is a "realistic probability" that the statute under which the alien was convicted would be applied to reach conduct that does not involve moral turpitude.

(2) A conviction for burglary of an occupied dwelling in violation of section 810.02(3)(a) of the Florida Statutes is categorically a conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude. Matter of M-, 2 I&N Dec. 721 (BIA; A.G. 1946), distinguished.


AGUILAR-AQUINO, 24 I&N Dec. 747 (BIA 2009)

ID 3634 (PDF)

(1) "Custody," as the term is used in the regulation at 8 C.F.R. § 1236.1(d)(1) (2008) relatingto requests for amelioration of the terms of release from custody, requires actual physicalrestraint or confinement within a given space.

(2) The respondent, who requested "amelioration of the terms of release" from an Immigration Judge following his release from detention by the Department of HomelandSecurity with conditions requiring an electronic monitoring device and home confinement,was "released from custody" within the meaning of 8 C.F.R. § 1236.1(d)(1).

(3) The Immigration Judge lacked jurisdiction to consider the respondent's request foramelioration of the terms of his release under 8 C.F.R. § 1236.1(d)(1) where therespondent had been "released from custody" more than 7 days prior to his request.


ROSENBERG, 24 I&N Dec. 744 (BIA 2009)

ID 3633 (PDF)

(1) A claim by an attorney who is currently suspended from practice before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit that he is in good standing before the California State Bar is not a basis to set aside an order of the Board of Immigration Appeals suspending him from practice before the Board, the Immigration Courts, and the Department of Homeland Security.

(2) It is not in the interest of justice to set aside the Board's immediate suspension order where the attorney failed to object to the Ninth Circuit Appellate Commissioner's Report and Recommendation and is therefore not likely to prevail on the merits of the attorney discipline case, given the heavy burden of proof under 8 C.F.R. § 1003.103(b)(2) (2008).


COMPEAN, BANGALY & J-E-C-, 24 I&N Dec. 710 (A.G. 2009), vacated, 25 I&N Dec. 1 (A.G. 2009)

ID 3632 (PDF)

(1) Aliens in removal proceedings have a statutory privilege to retain private counsel at no expense to the Government.

(2) Aliens in removal proceedings have no right to counsel, including Government-appointed counsel, under the Sixth Amendment of the Constitution because the Sixth Amendment applies only to criminal proceedings and removal proceedings are civil in nature.

(3) Aliens in removal proceedings also have no right to counsel, including Government-appointed counsel, under the Fifth Amendment. Although the Fifth Amendment applies to removal proceedings, its guarantee of due process does not include a general right to counsel, or a specific right to effective assistance of counsel, and is violated only by state action, namely, action that can be legally attributed to the Government. Lawyers privately retained by aliens in removal proceedings are not state actors for due process purposes. Accordingly, there is no Fifth Amendment right to effective assistance of counsel in removal proceedings. To the extent the Board's decisions in Matter of Lozada, 19 I&N Dec. 637 (BIA 1988), and Matter of Assaad, 23 I&N Dec. 553 (BIA 2003), are inconsistent with this conclusion, those decisions are overruled.

(4) Although the Constitution and the immigration laws do not entitle an alien in removal proceedings to relief for his lawyer's mistakes, the Department of Justice may, as a matter of administrative grace, reopen removal proceedings where an alien shows that he was prejudiced by the actions of private counsel.

(5) There is a strong public interest in ensuring that a lawyer's deficiencies do not affirmatively undermine the fairness and accuracy of removal proceedings. At the same time, there is a strong public interest in the expeditiousness and finality of removal proceedings. On balance, these interests justify allowing the Board to reopen removal proceedings in the extraordinary case where a lawyer's deficient performance likely changed the outcome of an alien's initial removal proceedings. In addition, they call for a set of standards and requirements that will allow the Board to resolve most claims expeditiously and on the basis of an alien's motion to reopen and accompanying on counsel's allegedly deficient performance is, in each case, committed to the discretion of the Board or the immigration judge.

(6) The deficient performance of counsel claim extends only to the conduct of a lawyer, an accredited representative, or a non-lawyer that the alien reasonably but erroneously believed to be a lawyer who was retained to represent the alien in the proceedings.

(7) An alien who seeks to reopen his removal proceedings based on deficient performance of counsel bears the burden of establishing (i) that his lawyer's failings were egregious; (ii) that in cases where the alien moves to reopen beyond the applicable time limit, he exercised due diligence in discovering and seeking to cure his lawyer's alleged deficient performance; and (iii) that he suffered prejudice from the lawyer's errors, namely, that but for the deficient performance, it is more likely than not that the alien would have been entitled to the ultimate relief he was seeking.

(8) An alien who seeks to reopen his removal proceedings based on deficient performance of counsel must submit a detailed affidavit setting forth the facts that form the basis of the deficient performance of counsel claim. He also must attach to his motion five documents or sets of documents: (i) a copy of his agreement, if any, with the lawyer whose performance he alleges was deficient; (ii) a copy of a letter to his former lawyer specifying the lawyer's deficient performance and a copy of the lawyer's response, if any; (iii) a completed and signed complaint addressed to, but not necessarily filed with, the appropriate State bar or disciplinary authority; (iv) a copy of any document or evidence, or an affidavit summarizing any testimony, that the alien alleges the lawyer failed to submit previously; and (v) a statement by new counsel expressing a belief that the performance of former counsel fell below minimal standards of professional competence. If any of these documents is unavailable, the alien must explain why. If any of these documents is missing rather than nonexistent, the alien must summarize the document's contents in his affidavit. Matter of Lozada, superseded.

(9) The Board's discretion to reopen removal proceedings on the basis of a lawyer's deficient performance is not limited to conduct that occurred during the agency proceedings. The Board may reopen on the basis of deficient performance that occurred subsequent to the entry of a final order of removal if the standards established for a deficient performance of counsel claim are satisfied.


SILVA-TREVINO, 24 I&N Dec. 687 (A.G. 2008)

ID 3631 (PDF)

(1) To determine whether a conviction is for a crime involving moral turpitude, immigration judges and the Board of Immigration Appeals should: (1) look to the statute of conviction under the categorical inquiry and determine whether there is a "realistic probability" that the State or Federal criminal statute pursuant to which the alien was convicted would be applied to reach conduct that does not involve moral turpitude; (2) if the categorical inquiry does not resolve the question, engage in a modified categorical inquiry and examine the record of conviction, including documents such as the indictment, the judgment of conviction, jury instructions, a signed guilty plea, and the plea transcript; and (3) if the record of conviction is inconclusive, consider any additional evidence deemed necessary or appropriate to resolve accurately the moral turpitude question.

(2) It is proper to make a categorical finding that a defendant's conduct involves moral turpitude when that conduct results in conviction on the charge of intentional sexual contact with a person the defendant knew or should have known was a child.

(3) To qualify as a crime involving moral turpitude for purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act, a crime must involve both reprehensible conduct and some degree of scienter, whether specific intent, deliberateness, willfulness, or recklessness.


F-P-R-, 24 I&N Dec. 681 (BIA 2008)

ID 3630 (PDF)

For purposes of determining if an alien's application for asylum was timely filed within 1 year of arrival in the United States pursuant to section 208(a)(2)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1158(a)(2)(B) (2006), the term "last arrival" in 8 C.F.R. § 1208.4(a)(2)(ii) (2008) refers to the alien's most recent arrival in the United States from a trip abroad.


C-R-C-, 24 I&N Dec. 677 (BIA 2008)

ID 3629 (PDF)

In absentia removal proceedings were reopened where the respondent overcame the presumption of delivery of a Notice to Appear that was sent by regular mail by submitting an affidavit stating that he did not receive the notice and that he has continued to reside at the address to which it was sent, as well as other circumstantial evidence indicating that he had an incentive to appear, and by exercising due diligence in promptly seeking to redress the situation by obtaining counsel and requesting reopening of the proceedings. Dominguez v. United States Attorney General, 284 F.3d 1258 (11th Cir. 2002), distinguished.


M-R-A-, 24 I&N Dec. 665 (BIA 2008)

ID 3628 (PDF)

(1) Where a Notice to Appear or Notice of Hearing is properly addressed and sent by regular mail according to normal office procedures, there is a presumption of delivery, but it is weaker than the presumption that applies to documents sent by certified mail. Matter of Grijalva, 21 I&N Dec. 27 (BIA 1995), distinguished.

(2) When an Immigration Judge adjudicates a respondent's motion to reopen to rescind an in absentia order of removal based on a claim that a notice sent by regular mail to the most recent address provided was not received, all relevant evidence submitted to overcome the weaker presumption of delivery must be considered, including but not limited to factors such as affidavits from the respondent and others who are knowledgeable about whether notice was received, whether due diligence was exercised in seeking to redress the situation, any prior applications for relief that would indicate an incentive to appear, and the respondent's prior appearance at immigration proceedings, if applicable.

(3) The respondent overcame the presumption of delivery of a Notice of Hearing that was sent by regular mail where he submitted affidavits indicating that he did not receive the notice, had previously filed an asylum application and appeared for his first removal hearing, and exercised due diligence in promptly obtaining counsel and requesting reopening of the proceedings.


FEDERISO, 24 I&N Dec. 661 (BIA 2008)

ID 3627 (PDF)

To be eligible for a waiver of removal under section 237(a)(1)(H)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(1)(H)(i) (2006), an alien must establish a qualifying relationship to a living relative.


ARMENDAREZ, 24 I&N Dec. 646 (BIA 2008)

ID 3626 (PDF)

Pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(d) (2008), the Board of Immigration Appeals lacks authority to reopen removal, deportation, or exclusion proceedings–whether on motion of an alien or sua sponte–if the alien has departed the United States after those administrative proceedings have been completed.


M-F-W- & L-G-, 24 I&N Dec. 633 (BIA 2008)

ID 3625 (PDF)

(1) An act that thwarts the goals of China's family planning policy, such as removing an intrauterine device ("IUD") or failing to attend a mandatory gynecological appointment, may constitute "resistance" to the policy.

(2) The insertion of an IUD does not rise to the level of harm necessary to constitute "persecution," absent some aggravating circumstances.

(3) Generally, where the insertion or reinsertion of an IUD is carried out as part of a routine medical procedure, an alien will not be able to establish the required nexus, i.e., that the procedure was or would be because of her resistance to China's family planning policy.


R-A-, 24 I&N Dec. 629 (A.G. 2008)

ID 3624 (PDF)

The Attorney General lifted the stay previously imposed on the Board of Immigration Appeals and remanded the case for reconsideration of the issues presented with respect to asylum claims based on domestic violence.


GUADARRAMA, 24 I&N Dec. 625 (BIA 2008)

ID 3623 (PDF)

An alien who has made a false claim of citizenship may be considered a person who is not of good moral character, but the catch-all provision of section 101(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(f) (2006), does not automatically mandate such a finding.


A-T-, 24 I&N Dec. 617 (A.G. 2008)

ID 3622 (PDF)

The Attorney General vacated the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals and remanded the record for reconsideration of questions relating to the respondent's eligibility for withholding of removal pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1208.16(b)(1) (2008) based on her claim that she has been subjected to female genital mutilation.


NWOZUZU, 24 I&N Dec. 609 (BIA 2008)

ID 3621 (PDF)

To obtain derivative citizenship under former section 321(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1432(a) (1994), an alien must acquire the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence while he or she is under the age of 18 years.


SAYSANA, 24 I&N Dec. 602 (BIA 2008)

ID 3620 (PDF)

(1) The language of section 236(c)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C.§ 1226(c)(1) (2006), does not support limiting the non-DHS custodial setting solely to criminal custody tied to the basis for detention under that section.

(2) The respondent is subject to mandatory detention following his release from non-DHS custody resulting from his 2005 arrest for failure to register as a sex offender, even though that arrest did not lead to a conviction.


RAMIREZ-VARGAS, 24 I&N Dec. 599 (BIA 2008)

ID 3619 (PDF)

A parent's period of residence in the United States cannot be imputed to a child for purposes of calculating the 7 years of continuous residence required to establish eligibility for cancellation of removal under section 240A(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(a)(2) (2006).


E-A-G-, 24 I&N Dec. 591 (BIA 2008)

ID 3618 (PDF)

(1) The respondent, a young Honduran male, failed to establish that he was a member of a particular social group of "persons resistant to gang membership," as the evidence failed to establish that members of Honduran society, or even gang members themselves, would perceive those opposed to gang membership as members of a social group.

(2) Because membership in a criminal gang cannot constitute membership in a particular social group, the respondent could not establish that he was a member of a particular social group of "young persons who are perceived to be affiliated with gangs" based on the incorrect perception by others that he is such a gang member.


S-E-G-, 24 I&N Dec. 579 (BIA 2008)

ID 3617 (PDF)

Neither Salvadoran youth who have been subjected to recruitment efforts by the MS-13 gang and who have rejected or resisted membership in the gang based on their own personal, moral, and religious opposition to the gang's values and activities nor the family members of such Salvadoran youth constitute a "particular social group."


ROTIMI, 24 I&N Dec. 567 (BIA 2008)

ID 3616 (PDF)

An alien has not "lawfully resided" in the United States for purposes of qualifying for a waiver of inadmissibility under section 212(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(h) (2006), during any periods in which the alien was an applicant for asylum or for adjustment of status and lacked any other basis on which to claim lawful residence.


EAC, INC., 24 I&N Dec. 563 (BIA 2008) (Accreditation)

ID 3615 (PDF)

(1) All accredited representatives on the staff of a recognized organization must have a broad knowledge of immigration law and procedure, even if the organization only intends to provide limited services through one or more partially accredited representatives.

(2) In order to show that a proposed accredited representative has the broad knowledge and experience in immigration law and procedure required by 8 C.F.R. § 1292.2(d) (2008), a recognized organization should submit the individual's resume, letters of recommendation, and evidence of immigration training completed, including detailed descriptions of the topics addressed.


EAC, INC., 24 I&N Dec. 556 (BIA 2008) (Recognition)

ID 3614 (PDF)

(1) The process of recognition is designed to evaluate the qualifications of only those nonprofit organizations that provide knowledgeable legal assistance to low-income aliens in matters involving immigration law and procedure.

(2) In order to establish that it has adequate knowledge of immigration law and procedure, an organization seeking recognition must have sufficient access to legal resources, which may include electronic or internet access, as well as resources provided by a law library.

(3) An organization seeking recognition must show that it has either a local attorney who is on the staff, offering pro bono services, or providing consultation under a formal arrangement; a fully accredited representative; or a partially accredited representative with access to additional expertise.

(4) A recognized organization that does not offer a full range of immigration legal services or whose staff is not sufficiently experienced to handle more complex immigration issues must have the ability to discern when it should direct aliens to seek other legal assistance.


GONZALEZ-ZOQUIAPAN, 24 I&N Dec. 549 (BIA 2008)

ID 3613 (PDF)

(1) A single act of soliciting prostitution on one's own behalf does not fall within section 212(a)(2)(D)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(2)(D)(ii) (2006), which provides for the inadmissibility of an alien who "procured . . . prostitutes or persons for the purpose of prostitution." (2) The respondent's conviction for disorderly conduct relating to prostitution in violation of section 647(b) of the California Penal Code does not render him inadmissible under section 212(a)(2)(D)(ii) of the Act.


HINES, 24 I&N Dec. 544 (BIA 2008)

ID 3612 (PDF)

(1) Under Jamaican law, the sole means of "legitimation" of a child born out of wedlock is the marriage of the child's natural parents.Matter of Clahar, 18 I&N Dec. 1 (BIA 1981), overruled.

(2) The respondent was born in Jamaica of natural parents who never married, and therefore his paternity was not established "by legitimation" so as to disqualify him from deriving United States citizenship pursuant to former section 321(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1432(a)(3) (1988), through his mother's naturalization in 1991.


J-S-, 24 I&N Dec. 520 (A.G. 2008)

ID 3611 (PDF)

(1) The spouse of a person who has been physically subjected to a forced abortion orsterilization procedure is not per se entitled to refugee status under section 601(a) of theIllegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Division C of Pub. L. No. 104-208, 110 Stat. 3009-546, 3009-689, codified at section 101(a)(42) ofthe Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(42) (2000). The holdings to the contrary in Matter of S-L-L-, 24 I&N Dec. 1 (BIA 2006); Matter of C-Y-Z-, 21 I&N Dec. 915 (BIA 1997), overruled.

(2) Persons who have not physically undergone a forced abortion or sterilization proceduremay still qualify as a refugee on account of a well-founded fear of persecution of beingforced to undergo such a procedure, or on account of persecution or a well-founded fearof persecution for failure or refusal to undergo such a procedure or for other resistance toa coercive population control program, or on other grounds enumerated in the Immigrationand Nationality Act


VELAZQUEZ-HERRERA, 24 I&N Dec. 503 (BIA 2008)

ID 3610 (PDF)

(1) For purposes of the ground of removal set forth at section 237(a)(2)(E)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(E)(i) (2000), the term "crime of child abuse" means any offense involving an intentional, knowing, reckless, or criminally negligent act or omission that constitutes maltreatment of a person under 18 years old or that impairs such a person's physical or mental well-being, including sexual abuse or exploitation.

(2) Whether an alien is removable on the basis of a conviction for a "crime of child abuse" is determined by the elements of the alien's offense, as reflected in the statutory definition of the crime or admissible portions of the conviction record.


V-K-, 24 I&N Dec. 500 (BIA 2008)

ID 3609 (PDF)

The Board of Immigration Appeals reviews de novo an Immigration Judge's prediction or finding regarding the likelihood that an alien will be tortured, because it relates to whether the ultimate statutory requirement for establishing eligibility for relief from removal has been met and is therefore a mixed question of law and fact, or a question of judgment.


A-S-B-, 24 I&N Dec. 493 (BIA 2008)

ID 3608 (PDF)

(1) Under 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(d)(3) (2008), the Board of Immigration Appeals should defer to the factual findings of an Immigration Judge, unless they are clearly erroneous, but it retains independent judgment and discretion, subject to applicable governing standards, regarding pure questions of law and the application of a particular standard of law to those facts.

(2) In determining whether established facts are sufficient to meet a legal standard, such as "well-founded fear," the Board has the authority to weigh the evidence in a manner different from that accorded by the Immigration Judge, or to conclude that the foundation for the Immigration Judge's legal conclusions was insufficient or otherwise not supported by the evidence of record.


RIVERA-VALENCIA, 24 I&N Dec. 484 (BIA 2008)

ID 3607 (PDF)

A judgment of guilt that has been entered by a general court-martial of the United States Armed Forces qualifies as a "conviction" within the meaning of section 101(a)(48)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(48)(A) (2000).


KODWO, 24 I&N Dec. 479 (BIA 2008)

ID 3606 (PDF)

While a court order remains the preferred method of establishing the dissolution of a customary tribal marriage under Ghanaian law, affidavits executed by the heads of household, i.e., the fathers of the couple, that meet specified evidentiary requirements may be sufficient to establish a divorce for immigration purposes. Matter of Kumah,19 I&N Dec. 290 (BIA 1985), modified.


S-K-, 24 I&N Dec. 475 (BIA 2008)

ID 3605 (PDF)

(1) Section 691(b) of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, Division J of Pub. L. No. 110-161, 121 Stat. 1844, 2365 (enacted Dec. 26, 2007), provides that for purposes of section 212(a)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C.A. § 1182(a)(3)(B) (West 2005), certain groups, including the Chin National Front, "shall not be considered to be a terrorist organization on the basis of any act or event occurring before the date of enactment of this section."

(2) The Attorney General's remand in Matter of S-K-, 24 I&N Dec. 289 (A.G. 2007), does not affect the precedential nature of the conclusions of the Board of Immigration Appeals in Matter of S-K-, 23 I&N Dec. 936 (BIA 2006), regarding the applicability and interpretation of the material support provisions in section 212(a)(3)(B)(iv)(VI) of the Act.


GONZALEZ-MURO, 24 I&N Dec. 472 (BIA 2008)

ID 3604 (PDF)

A denaturalized alien who committed crimes while a lawful permanent resident and concealed them during the naturalization application process is removable on the basis of the crimes, even though the alien was a naturalized citizen at the time of conviction. Costello v. INS, 376 U.S. 120 (1964), distinguished.


BAIRES, 24 I&N Dec. 467 (BIA 2008)

ID 3603 (PDF)

A child who has satisfied the statutory conditions of former section 321(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1432(a) (1988), before the age of 18 years has acquired United States citizenship, regardless of whether the naturalized parent acquired legal custody of the child before or after the naturalization.


S-A-K- and H-A-H-, 24 I&N Dec. 464 (BIA 2008)

ID 3602 (PDF)

A mother and daughter from Somalia who provided sufficient evidence of past persecution in the form of female genital mutilation with aggravated circumstances are eligible for a grant of asylum based on humanitarian grounds pursuant to 8 C.F.R § 1208.13(b)(1)(iii)(A) (2007), regardless of whether they can establish a well-founded fear of future persecution. Matter of Chen, 20 I&N Dec. 16 (BIA 1989), followed.


CABRERA, 24 I&N Dec. 459 (BIA 2008)

ID 3601 (PDF)

The imposition of costs and surcharges in the criminal sentencing context constitutes a form of "punishment" or "penalty" for purposes of establishing that an alien has suffered a "conviction" within the meaning of section 101(a)(48)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(48)(A) (2000).


ARUNA, 24 I&N Dec. 452 (BIA 2008)

ID 3600 (PDF)

Absent controlling precedent to the contrary, a State law misdemeanor offense of conspiracy to distribute marijuana qualifies as an "aggravated felony" under section 101(a)(43)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(B) (2000), where its elements correspond to the elements of the Federal felony offense of conspiracy to distribute an indeterminate quantity of marijuana, as defined by 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(D), and 846 (2000 & Supp. IV 2004).


D-I-M-, 24 I&N Dec. 448 (BIA 2008)

ID 3599 (PDF)

(1) When evaluating an application for asylum, the Immigration Judge must make a specific finding that the applicant has or has not suffered past persecution based on a statutorily enumerated ground and then apply the regulatory framework at 8 C.F.R. § 1208.13(b)(1) (2007).

(2) If the applicant has established past persecution, there is a presumption of a well-founded fear of persecution in the future and the burden shifts to the Department of Homeland Security to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that there are changed country conditions, or that the applicant could avoid future persecution by relocating, and that it would be reasonable to do so under all of the circumstances.


KELLY, 24 I&N Dec. 446 (BIA 2008)

ID 3598 (PDF)

(1) If an Immigration Judge includes an attachment to a decision, particular care must be taken to insure that a complete record is preserved. (2) An attachment to an Immigration Judge's oral decision should be individualized with the respondent's name, the alien registration number, and the date of the decision, and it should be appended to the written memorandum summarizing the oral decision, which should reflect that there is an attachment.


ANIFOWOSHE, 24 I&N Dec. 442 (BIA 2008)

ID 3597 (PDF)

An alien child who was adopted under the age of 18, and whose natural sibling was subsequently adopted by the same adoptive parent or parents while under the age of 16, may qualify as a "child" within the meaning of section 101(b)(1)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C.A. § 1101(b)(1)(E) (West 2008), even if the child's adoption preceded that of the younger sibling


GARCIA-MADRUGA, 24 I&N Dec. 436 (BIA 2008)

ID 3596 (PDF)

(1) A "theft offense" within the definition of an aggravated felony in section 101(a)(43)(G) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(G) (2000), ordinarily requires the taking of, or exercise of control over, property without consent and with the criminal intent to deprive the owner of the rights and benefits of ownership, even if such deprivation is less than total or permanent. Matter of V-Z-S-, 22 I&N Dec. 1338 (BIA 2000), clarified.

(2) The respondent's welfare fraud offense in violation of section 40-6-15 of the General Laws of Rhode Island is not a "theft offense" under section 101(a)(43)(G) of the Act.


I-S- & C-S-, 24 I&N Dec. 432 (BIA 2008)

ID 3595 (PDF)

When an Immigration Judge issues a decision granting an alien's application for withholding of removal under section 241(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1231(b)(3) (2000), without a grant of asylum, the decision must include an explicit order of removal.


MARTINEZ-ZAPATA, 24 I&N Dec. 424 (BIA 2007)

ID 3594 (PDF)

(1) Any fact (including a fact contained in a sentence enhancement) that serves to increase the maximum penalty for a crime and that is required to be found by a jury beyond a reasonable doubt, if not admitted by the defendant, is to be treated as an element of the underlying offense, so that a conviction involving the application of such an enhancement is a conviction for the enhanced offense. Matter of Rodriguez-Cortes, 20 I&N Dec. 587 (BIA 1992), superseded.

(2) The exception under section 212(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(h) (2000), for an alien convicted of a single offense of simple possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana does not apply to an alien whose conviction was enhanced by virtue of his possession of marijuana in a "drug-free zone," where the enhancement factor increased the maximum penalty for the underlying offense and had to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury under the law of the convicting jurisdiction. Matter of Moncada, 24 I&N Dec. 62 (BIA 2007), clarified.


THOMAS, 24 I&N Dec. 416 (BIA 2007)

ID 3593 (PDF)

The respondent's 2003 Florida offense involving the simple possession of marijuana does not qualify as an "aggravated felony" by virtue of its correspondence to the Federal felony of "recidivist possession," even though it was committed after a prior "conviction" for a "drug, narcotic, or chemical offense" became "final" within the meaning of 21 U.S.C. § 844(a) (2000), because the respondent's conviction for that 2003 offense did not arise from a State proceeding in which his status as a recidivist drug offender was either admitted or determined by a judge or jury. Matter of Carachuri-Rosendo, 24 I&N Dec. 382 (BIA 2007), followed.


CARACHURI-ROSENDO, 24 I&N Dec. 382 (BIA 2007)

ID 3592 (PDF)

(1) Decisional authority from the Supreme Court and the controlling Federal circuit court of appeals is determinative of whether a State drug offense constitutes an "aggravated felony" under section 101(a)(43)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(B) (2000), by virtue of its correspondence to the Federal felony offense of "recidivist possession," as defined by 21 U.S.C. § 844(a) (2000).Matter of Yanez, 23 I&N Dec. 390 (BIA 2002), followed.

(2) Controlling precedent of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit dictates that the respondent's Texas conviction for alprazolam possession qualifies as an "aggravated felony" conviction by virtue of the fact that the underlying alprazolam possession offense was committed after the respondent's prior State "conviction" for a "drug, narcotic, or chemical offense" became "final" within the meaning of 21 U.S.C. § 844(a).

(3) Absent controlling authority regarding the "recidivist possession" issue, an alien's State conviction for simple possession of a controlled substance will not be considered an aggravated felony conviction on the basis of recidivism unless the alien's status as a recidivist drug offender was either admitted by the alien or determined by a judge or jury in connection with a prosecution for that simple possession offense.


LEMUS, 24 I&N Dec. 373 (BIA 2007)

ID 3591 (PDF)

(1) An alien who is unlawfully present in the United States for a period of 1 year, departs the country, and then seeks admission within 10 years of the date of his departure from the United States, is inadmissible under section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(2)(B)(i)(II) (2000), even if the alien's departure was not made pursuant to an order of removal and was not a voluntary departure in lieu of being subject to removal proceedings or at the conclusion of removal proceedings.

(2) Adjustment of status under section 245(i) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1255(i) (2000), is unavailable to an alien who is inadmissible under section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II) of the Act.


BRIONES, 24 I&N Dec. 355 (BIA 2007)

ID 3590 (PDF)

(1) Section 212(a)(9)(C)(i)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(9)(C)(i)(I) (2000), covers recidivist immigration violators, so to be inadmissible under that section, an alien must depart the United States after accruing an aggregate period of "unlawful presence" of more than 1 year and thereafter reenter, or attempt to reenter, the United States without being admitted.

(2) Adjustment of status under section 245(i) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1255(i) (2000), is not available to an alien who is inadmissible under section 212(a)(9)(C)(i)(I) of the Act.


C-W-L-, 24 I&N Dec. 346 (BIA 2007)

ID 3589 (PDF)

An alien who is subject to a final order of removal is barred by both statute and regulation from filing an untimely motion to reopen removal proceedings to submit a successive asylum application under section 208(a)(2)(D) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1158(a)(2)(D) (2000), based on changed personal circumstances.


N-A-M-, 24 I&N Dec. 336 (BIA 2007)

ID 3588 (PDF)

(1) In order to be considered a particularly serious crime under section 241(b)(3)(B)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1231(b)(3)(B)(ii) (2000), an offense need not be an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43) (2000 & Supp. IV 2004).

(2) Once the elements of an offense are found to potentially bring it within the ambit of a particularly serious crime, all reliable information may be considered in determining whether the offense constitutes a particularly serious crime, including but not limited to the record of conviction and sentencing information.


SINGH, 24 I&N Dec. 331 (BIA 2007)

ID 3587 (PDF)

There is no conflict between section 216(c)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1186a(c)(4) (2000), and its implementing regulation at 8 C.F.R. § 1216.5(e)(1) (2007) where both provide the same start date for the circumstances to be considered in determining a conditional permanent resident's application for an extreme hardship waiver and only the statute provides an end date for the relevant period.


S-I-K-, 24 I&N Dec. 324 (BIA 2007)

ID 3586 (PDF)

An alien convicted of conspiracy is removable as an alien convicted of an aggravated felony within the meaning of sections 101(a)(43)(M)(i) and (U) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §§ 1101(a)(43)(M)(i) and (U) (2000), where the substantive crime that was the object of the conspiracy was an offense that involved "fraud or deceit" and where the potential loss to the victim or victims exceeded $10,000.


BABAISAKOV, 24 I&N Dec. 306 (BIA 2007)

ID 3585 (PDF)

(1) A single ground for removal may require proof of a conviction tied to the statutory elements of a criminal offense, as well as proof of an additional fact or facts that are not tied to the statutory elements of any such offense.

(2) When a removal charge depends on proof of both the elements leading to a conviction and some nonelement facts, the nonelement facts may be determined by means of evidence beyond the limited "record of conviction" that may be considered by courts employing the "categorical approach," the "modified categorical approach," or a comparable "divisibility analysis," although the record of conviction may also be a suitable source of proof, depending on the circumstances.

(3) Section 101(a)(43)(M)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(M)(i) (2000), which defines the term "aggravated felony" to mean "an offense that involves fraud or deceit in which the loss to the victim or victims exceeds $10,000," depends on proof of both a conviction having an element of fraud or deceit and the nonelement fact of a loss exceeding $10,000 that is tied to the conviction.

(4) Because the phrase "in which the loss to the victim or victims exceeds $10,000" is not tied to an element of the fraud or deceit offense, the loss determination is not subject to the limitations of the categorical approach, the modified categorical approach, or a divisibility analysis and may be proved by evidence outside the record of conviction, provided that the loss is still shown to relate to the conduct of which the person was convicted and, for removal purposes, is proven by clear and convincing evidence.

(5) The Immigration Judge erred in declining to consider a presentence investigation report as proof of victim loss because of his mistaken belief that he was restricted to consideration of the respondent 's record of conviction.


A-T-, 24 I&N Dec. 296 (BIA 2007), vacated, 24 I&N Dec. 617 (A.G. 2008)

ID 3584 (PDF)

(1) Because female genital mutilation ("FGM") is a type of harm that generally is inflicted only once, the procedure itself will normally constitute a "fundamental change in circumstances" such that an asylum applicant no longer has a well-founded fear of persecution based on the fear that she will again be subjected to FGM.

(2) Unlike forcible sterilization, a procedure that also is performed only once but has lasting physical and emotional effects, FGM has not been specifically identified as a basis for asylum within the definition of a "refugee" under section 101(a)(42) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(42) (2000), so FGM does not qualify as "continuing persecution." Matter of Y-T-L-, 23 I&N Dec. 601 (BIA 2003), distinguished.


JEAN-JOSEPH, 24 I&N Dec. 294 (BIA 2007)

ID 3583 (PDF)

Where an attorney who was suspended from practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Immigration Courts, and the Department of Homeland Security pending the final disposition of his attorney discipline proceeding sought reinstatement because he had been reinstated to the Florida Bar, but he had practiced before the Miami Immigration Court while under the Board's immediate suspension order, his motion was denied, and he was instead suspended for 120 days, twice the recommended discipline in the Notice of Intent To Discipline.


KRIVONOS, 24 I&N Dec. 292 (BIA 2007)

ID 3582 (PDF)

A motion for reinstatement to practice filed by an attorney who was expelled from practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Immigration Courts, and the Department of Homeland Security as a result of his conviction for immigration-related fraud, but who was reinstated to practice law in New York, was denied because he failed to show that he possessed the moral and professional qualifications to be reinstated to practice and that his reinstatement would not be detrimental to the administration of justice.


S-K-, 24 I&N Dec. 289 (A.G. 2007)

ID 3581 (PDF)

The Attorney General remanded the case for the Board of Immigration Appeals to consider if further proceedings are appropriate in light of the February 20, 2007, determination of the Secretary of Homeland Security that section 212(a)(3)(B)(iv)(VI) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C.A. § 1182(a)(3)(B)(iv)(VI) (West 2005), shall not apply with respect to material support provided to the Chin National Front/Chin National Army by an alien who satisfies certain specified criteria.


SHAH, 24 I&N Dec. 282 (BIA 2007)

ID 3580 (PDF)

(1) An attorney who knowingly makes a false statement of material fact or law or willfully misleads any person concerning a material and relevant matter relating to a case is subject to discipline.

(2) It is in the public interest to discipline an attorney who knowingly and willfully misled the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services by presenting an improperly obtained certified Labor Condition Application under his signature in support of a nonimmigrant worker petition.


A-K-, 24 I&N Dec. 275 (BIA 2007)

ID 3579 (PDF)

An alien may not establish eligibility for asylum or withholding of removal based solely on fear that his or her daughter will be harmed by being forced to undergo female genital mutilation upon returning to the alien's home country.


CHAVEZ, 24 I&N Dec. 272 (BIA 2007)

ID 3578 (PDF)

(1) An alien seeking to reopen proceedings to establish that a conviction has been vacated bears the burden of proving that the conviction was not vacated solely for immigration purposes.

(2) Where the respondent presented no evidence to prove that his conviction was not vacated solely for immigration purposes, he failed to meet his burden of showing that his motion to reopen should be granted.


JARA RIERO AND JARA ESPINOL, 24 I&N Dec. 267 (BIA 2007)

ID 3577 (PDF)

An alien seeking to establish eligibility for adjustment of status under section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1255(i) (2000), on the basis of a marriage-based visa petition must prove that the marriage was bona fide at its inception in order to show that the visa petition was "meritorious in fact" pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1245.10(a)(3) (2007).


J-Y-C, 24 I&N Dec. 260 (BIA 2007)

ID 3576 (PDF)

(1) Under section 101(a)(3) of the REAL ID Act of 2005, Div. B of Pub. L. No. 109-13, 119 Stat. 302, 303 (to be codified at section 208(b)(1)(B)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1158(b)(1)(B)(iii)), a trier of fact may, considering the totality of the circumstances, base a credibility finding on an asylum applicant's demeanor, the plausibility of his account, and inconsistencies in statements, without regard to whether they go to the heart of the asylum claim.

(2) The Immigration Judge properly considered the totality of the circumstances in finding that the respondent lacked credibility based on his demeanor, his implausible testimony, the lack of corroborating evidence, and his inconsistent statements, some of which did not relate to the heart of his claim.


S-Y-G-, 24 I&N Dec. 247 (BIA 2007)

ID 3575 (PDF)

In her motion to reopen proceedings to pursue her asylum claim, the applicant did not meet the heavy burden to show that her proffered evidence is material and reflects "changed circumstances arising in the country of nationality" to support the motion where the documents submitted reflect general birth planning policies in her home province that do not specifically show any likelihood that she or similarly situated Chinese nationals will be persecuted as a result of the birth of a second child in the United States.


SOLON, 24 I&N Dec. 239 (BIA 2007)

ID 3574 (PDF)

The offense of assault in the third degree in violation of section 120.00(1) of the New York Penal Law, which requires both specific intent and physical injury, is a crime involving moral turpitude.


SEJAS, 24 I&N Dec. 236 (BIA 2007)

ID 3573 (PDF)

The offense of assault and battery against a family or household member in violation of section 18.2-57.2 of the Virginia Code is not categorically a crime involving moral turpitude.


ESCOBAR, 24 I&N Dec. 231 (BIA 2007)

ID 3572 (PDF)

A parent's lawful permanent resident status cannot be imputed to a child for purposes of calculating the 5 years of lawful permanent residence required to establish eligibility for cancellation of removal under section 240A(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(a)(1) (2000).


R- D-, 24 I&N Dec. 221 (BIA 2007)

ID 3571 (PDF)

(1) An alien who leaves the United States and is admitted to Canada to seek refugee status has made a departure from the United States.

(2) An alien returning to the United States after the denial of an application for refugee status in Canada is seeking admission into the United States and is therefore an arriving alien under 8 C.F.R. § 1001.1(q) (2007).


GONZALEZ-SILVA, 24 I&N Dec. 218 (BIA 2007)

ID 3570 (PDF)

An alien whose conviction precedes the effective date of section 237(a)(2)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(E) (2000), is not "convicted of an offense under" that section and therefore is not barred from establishing eligibility for cancellation of removal by section 240A(b)(1)(C) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(1)(C) (2000).


J-B-N- & S-M-, 24 I&N Dec. 208 (BIA 2007)

ID 3569 (PDF)

Under section 101(a)(3) of the REAL ID Act of 2005, Div. B of Pub. L. No. 109-13, 119 Stat. 302, 303, in mixed motive asylum cases, an applicant must prove that race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion was or will be at least one central reason for the claimed persecution.


ABOSI, 24 I&N Dec. 204 (BIA 2007)

ID 3568 (PDF)

A returning lawful permanent resident seeking to overcome a ground of inadmissibility is not required to apply for adjustment of status in conjunction with a waiver of inadmissibility under section 212(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(h) (2000).


J-H-S-, 24 I&N Dec. 196 (BIA 2007)

ID 3567 (PDF)

A person who fathers or gives birth to two or more children in China may qualify as a refugee if he or she establishes that the births are a violation of family planning policies that would be punished by local officials in a way that would give rise to a well-founded fear of persecution.


J-W-S-, 24 I&N Dec. 185 (BIA 2007)

ID 3566 (PDF)

(1) The evidence of record did not demonstrate that the Chinese Government has a national policy of requiring forced sterilization of a parent who returns with a second child born outside of China. (2) Although some sanctions may be imposed pursuant to local family planning policies in China for the birth of a second child abroad, the applicant failed to provide evidence that such sanctions in Fujian Province or Changle City would rise to the level of persecution.


GARCIA, 24 I&N Dec. 179 (BIA 2007)

ID 3565 (PDF)

An application for special rule cancellation of removal is a continuing one, so an applicant can continue to accrue physical presence until the issuance of a final administrative decision. Matter of Ortega-Cabrera, 23 I&N Dec. 793 (BIA 2005), reaffirmed; Cuadra v. Gonzales, 417 F.3d 947 (8th Cir. 2005), followed in jurisdiction only


T-Z-, 24 I&N Dec. 163 (BIA 2007)

ID 3564 (PDF)

(1) An abortion is forced by threats of harm when a reasonable person would objectively view the threats for refusing the abortion to be genuine, and the threatened harm, if carried out, would rise to the level of persecution.

(2) Nonphysical forms of harm, such as the deliberate imposition of severe economic disadvantage or the deprivation of liberty, food, housing, employment, or other essentials of life, may amount to persecution.

(3) When an Immigration Judge denies asylum solely in the exercise of discretion and then grants withholding of removal, 8 C.F.R. § 1208.16(e) (2006) requires the Immigration Judge to reconsider the denial of asylum to take into account factors relevant to family unification.


Y-L-, 24 I&N Dec. 151 (BIA 2007)

ID 3563 (PDF)

(1) In determining that an application for asylum is frivolous, the Immigration Judge must address the question of frivolousness separately and make specific findings that the applicant deliberately fabricated material elements of the asylum claim.

(2) Before the Immigration Judge makes a finding that an asylum application is frivolous, the applicant must be given sufficient opportunity to account for any discrepancies or implausible aspects of the claim.

(3) The Immigration Judge must provide cogent and convincing reasons for determining that a preponderance of the evidence supports a frivolousness finding, taking into account any explanations by the applicant for discrepancies or implausible aspects of the claim.


TOBAR-LOBO, 24 I&N Dec. 143 (BIA 2007)

ID 3562 (PDF)

Willful failure to register by a sex offender who has been previously apprised of the obligation to register, in violation of section 290(g)(1) of the California Penal Code, is a crime involving moral turpitude.


M-D-, 24 I&N Dec. 138 (BIA 2007)

ID 3561 (PDF)

(1)When a case is remanded to an Immigration Judge for completion of the appropriate background checks, the Immigration Judge is required to enter a final order granting or denying the requested relief.

(2) Although an Immigration Judge may not reconsider the prior decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals when a case is remanded for background checks, the Immigration Judge reacquires jurisdiction over the proceedings and may consider additional evidence regarding new or previously considered relief if it meets the requirements for reopening of the proceedings.


K-R-Y- and K-C-S-, 24 I&N Dec. 133 (BIA 2007)

ID 3560 (PDF)

(1) The North Korean Human Rights Act of 2004, Pub. L. No. 108-333, 118 Stat. 1287, which provides that North Koreans cannot be barred from eligibility for asylum on account of any legal right to citizenship they may enjoy under the Constitution of South Korea, does not apply to North Koreans who have availed themselves of the right to citizenship in South Korea.

(2) The respondents, natives of North Korea who became citizens of South Korea, are precluded from establishing eligibility for asylum as to North Korea on the basis of their firm resettlement in South Korea.


KOCHLANI, 24 I&N Dec. 128 (BIA 2007)

ID 3559 (PDF)

The offense of trafficking in counterfeit goods or services in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2320 (2000) is a crime involving moral turpitude.


KOTLIAR, 24 I&N Dec. 124 (BIA 2007)

ID 3558 (PDF)

(1) An alien who has been apprehended at home while on probation for criminal convictions is subject to mandatory detention under section 236(c)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1226(c)(1) (2000), regardless of the reason for the most recent criminal custody, provided it can be ascertained from the facts that he was released from criminal custody after October 8, 1998, the expiration date of the Transition Period Custody Rules.

(2) An alien need not be charged with the ground that provides the basis for mandatory detention under section 236(c)(1) of the Act in order to be considered an alien who "is deportable" on that ground.


W-C-B-, 24 I&N Dec. 118 (BIA 2007)

ID 3557 (PDF)

(1) An Immigration Judge has no authority to reinstate a prior order of deportation or removal pursuant to section 241(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1231(a)(5) (2000).

(2) An alien subject to reinstatement of a prior order of deportation or removal pursuant to section 241(a)(5) of the Act has no right to a hearing before an Immigration Judge.

(3) The Immigration Judge did not err in terminating removal proceedings as improvidently begun where the respondent was subject to reinstatement of his prior order of deportation.


GERTSENSHTEYN, 24 I&N Dec. 111 (BIA 2007)

ID 3556 (PDF)

(1) The categorical approach to determining whether a criminal offense satisfies a particular ground of removal does not apply to the inquiry whether a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(a) was committed for "commercial advantage" and thus qualifies as an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(K)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(K)(ii) (2000), where "commercial advantage" is not an element of the offense and the evidence relating to that issue is not ordinarily likely to be found in the record of conviction.

(2) The respondent's offense was committed for "commercial advantage" where it was evident from the record of proceeding, including the respondent's testimony, that he knew that his employment activity was designed to create a profit for the prostitution business for which he worked.


ACOSTA HIDALGO, 24 I&N Dec. 103 (BIA 2007)

ID 3555 (PDF)

(1) Because the Board of Immigration Appeals and the Immigration Judges lack jurisdiction to adjudicate applications for naturalization, removal proceedings may only be terminated pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1239.2(f) (2006) where the Department of Homeland Security has presented an affirmative communication attesting to an alien’s prima facie eligibility for naturalization. Matter of Cruz, 15 I&N Dec. 236 (BIA 1975), reaffirmed.

(2) An adjudication by the Department of Homeland Security on the merits of an alien’s naturalization application while removal proceedings are pending is not an affirmative communication of the alien’s prima facie eligibility for naturalization that would permit termination of proceedings under 8 C.F.R. § 1239.2(f).


BARRIENTOS, 24 I&N Dec. 100 (BIA 2007)

ID 3554 (PDF)

Section 244(b)(5)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1254(b)(5)(B) (2000), permits an alien to assert his right to Temporary Protected Status in removal proceedings, even if his application has previously been denied by the Administrative Appeals Unit.


TEJWANI, 24 I&N Dec. 97 (BIA 2007)

ID 3553 (PDF)

The offense of money laundering in violation of section 470.10(1) of the New York Penal Law is a crime involving moral turpitude.


ZMIJEWSKA, 24 I&N Dec. 87 (BIA 2007)

ID 3552 (PDF)

(1) The Board of Immigration Appeals lacks authority to apply an "exceptional circumstances" or other general equitable exception to the penalty provisions for failure to depart within the time period afforded for voluntary departure under section 240B(d)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C.A. § 1229c(d)(1) (West Supp. 2006).

(2) An alien has not voluntarily failed to depart the United States under section 240B(d)(1) of the Act when the alien, through no fault of his or her own, was unaware of the voluntary departure order or was physically unable to depart within the time granted.


AVILA-PEREZ, 24 I&N Dec. 78 (BIA 2007)

ID 3551 (PDF)

(1) Section 201(f)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1151(f)(1) (Supp. II 2002), which allows the beneficiary of an immediate relative visa petition to retain his status as a "child" after he turns 21, applies to an individual whose visa petition was approved before the August 6, 2002, effective date of the Child Status Protection Act, Pub. L. No. 107-208, 116 Stat. 927 (2002), but who filed an application for adjustment of status after that date.

(2) The respondent, whose visa petition was approved before August 6, 2002, and who filed his adjustment of status application after that date, retained his status as a child, and therefore an immediate relative, because he was under the age of 21 when the visa petition was filed on his behalf.


A-M-E & J-G-U-, 24 I&N Dec. 69 (BIA 2007)

ID 3550 (PDF)

(1) Factors to be considered in determining whether a particular social group exists include whether the group's shared characteristic gives the members the requisite social visibility to make them readily identifiable in society and whether the group can be defined with sufficient particularity to delimit its membership.

(2) The respondents failed to establish that their status as affluent Guatemalans gave them sufficient social visibility to be perceived as a group by society or that the group was defined with adequate particularity to constitute a particular social group.


MONCADA, 24 I&N Dec. 62 (BIA 2007)

ID 3549 (PDF)

The exception to deportability under section 237(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(B)(i) (2000), for an alien convicted of possessing 30 grams or less of marijuana for his own use does not apply to an alien convicted under a statute that has an element requiring that possession of the marijuana be in a prison or other correctional setting.


O-S-G-, 24 I&N Dec. 56 (BIA 2006)

ID 3548 (PDF)

A motion to reconsider a decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals must include the following: (1) an allegation of material factual or legal errors in the prior decision that is supported by pertinent authority;

(2) in the case of an affirmance without opinion ("AWO"), a showing that the alleged errors and legal arguments were previously raised on appeal and a statement explaining how the Board erred in affirming the Immigration Judge's decision under the AWO regulations; and

(3) if there has been a change in law, a reference to the relevant statute, regulation, or precedent and an explanation of how the outcome of the Board's decision is materially affected by the change.


TRUONG, 24 I&N Dec. 52 (BIA 2006)

ID 3547 (PDF)

(1) Under the attorney discipline regulations, a disbarment order issued against a practitioner creates a rebuttable presumption of professional misconduct, which can only be rebutted by a showing that the underlying disciplinary proceeding resulted in a deprivation of due process, that there was an infirmity of proof establishing the misconduct, or that discipline would result in grave injustice.

(2) Where the respondent was disbarred by the highest court of the State of New York, based in large part on his misconduct in a State court action, and where none of the exceptions to discipline are applicable, suspension from practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Immigration Courts, and the Department of Homeland Security for 7 years is an appropriate sanction.


DIAZ-RUACHO, 24 I&N Dec. 47 (BIA 2006)

ID 3546 (PDF)

An alien who fails to post the voluntary departure bond required by section 240B(b)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229c(b)(3) (2000), is not subject to penalties for failure to depart within the time period specified for voluntary departure


S-B-, 24 I&N Dec. 42 (BIA 2006)

ID 3545 (PDF)

(1) The provisions regarding credibility determinations enacted in section 101(a)(3) of the REAL ID Act of 2005, Div. B of Pub. L. No. 109-13, 119 Stat. 231, 303 (effective May 11, 2005) (to be codified at section 208(b)(1)(B)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1158(b)(1)(B)(iii)), only apply to applications for asylum, withholding, and other relief from removal that were initially filed on or after May 11, 2005, whether with an asylum officer or an Immigration Judge.

(2) Where the respondent filed his applications for relief with an asylum officer prior to the May 11, 2005, effective date of section 208(b)(1)(B)(iii) of the Act, but renewed his applications in removal proceedings before an Immigration Judge subsequent to that date, the provisions of section 208(b)(1)(B)(iii) were not applicable to credibility determinations made in adjudicating his applications.


GUERRA, 24 I&N Dec. 37 (BIA 2006)

ID 3544 (PDF)

(1) In a custody redetermination under section 236(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1226(a) (2000), where an alien must establish to the satisfaction of the Immigration Judge that he or she does not present a danger to others, a threat to the national security, or a flight risk, the Immigration Judge has wide discretion in deciding the factors that may be considered.

(2) In finding that the respondent is a danger to others, the Immigration Judge properly considered evidence that the respondent had been criminally charged in an alleged controlled substance trafficking scheme, even if he had not actually been convicted of a criminal offense.


JURADO, 24 I&N Dec. 29 (BIA 2006)

ID 3543 (PDF)

(1) An alien need not be charged and found inadmissible or removable on a ground specified in section 240A(d)(1)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(d)(1)(B) (2000), in order for the alleged criminal conduct to terminate the alien's continuous residence in this country.

(2) Retail theft in violation of title18, section 3929(a)(1) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is a crime involving moral turpitude.

(3) Unsworn falsification to authorities in violation of title18, section 4904(a) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is a crime involving moral turpitude.


ROBLES, 24 I&N Dec. 22 (BIA 2006)

ID 3542 (PDF)

(1) When the Attorney General overrules or reverses only one holding in a precedent decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals and expressly declines to consider any alternative holding in the case, the remaining holdings retain their precedential value.

(2) Misprision of a felony in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 4 (2000) is a crime involving moral turpitude. Matter of Sloan, 12 I&N Dec. 840 (A.G. 1968; BIA 1966), overruled in part.

(3) Under the “stop-time” rule in section 240A(d)(1)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(d)(1)(B) (2000), an offense is deemed to end an alien’s continuous residence as of the date of its commission, even if the offense was committed prior to the enactment of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Division C of Pub. L. No. 104-208, 110 Stat. 3009-546.Matter of Perez, 22 I&N Dec. 689 (BIA 1999), reaffirmed.


S-L-L-, 24 I&N Dec. 1 (BIA 2006)

ID 3541 (PDF)

(1) An alien whose spouse was forced to undergo an abortion or sterilization can establish past persecution on account of political opinion and qualify as a refugee within the definition of section 101(a)(42) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(42) (2000), but only if the alien was, in fact, opposed to the spouse’s abortion or sterilization and was legally married at the time of the abortion or sterilization. Matter of C-Y-Z-, 21 I&N Dec. 915 (BIA 1997), reaffirmed and clarified.

(2) Unmarried applicants claiming persecution related to a partner’s coerced abortion or sterilization may qualify for asylum if they demonstrate that they have been persecuted for “other resistance to a coercive population control program” within the meaning of section 101(a)(42) of the Act.

LIADOV, 23 I&N Dec. 990 (BIA 2006)

ID 3540 (PDF)

(1) Neither the Immigration and Nationality Act nor the regulations grant the Board of Immigration Appeals authority to extend the 30-day time limit for filing an appeal to the Board.

(2) Although the Board may certify a case to itself under 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(c) (2006) where exceptional circumstances are present, a short delay by an overnight delivery service is not a rare or extraordinary event that would warrant consideration of an untimely appeal on certification.


FU, 23 I&N Dec. 985 (BIA 2006)

ID 3539 (PDF)

Section 237(a)(1)(H) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(1)(H)(2000), authorizes a waiver of removability under section 237(a)(1)(A) based on charges of inadmissibility at the time of admission under section 212(a)(7)(A)(i)(I) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(7)(A)(i)(I) (2000), for lack of a valid immigrant visa or entry document, as well as under section 212(a)(6)(C)(i) for fraud or willful misrepresentation of a material fact, where there was a misrepresentation made at the time of admission, whether innocent or not


O’CEALLEAGH, 23 I&N Dec. 976 (BIA 2006)

ID 3538 (PDF)

(1) In order for an offense to qualify for the “purely political offense” exception to the ground of inadmissibility under section 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(I) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(2)(A)(i)(I) (2000), based on an alien’s conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude, the offense must be completely or totally “political.”

(2) The respondent is inadmissible where he properly conceded that his offense, substantively regarded, was not “purely political,” and where there was substantial evidence that the offense was not fabricated or trumped-up and therefore did not qualify from a procedural perspective as a “purely political offense,” because the circumstances surrounding his conviction in Northern Ireland for aiding and abetting the murder of two British corporals reflected a sincere effort to prosecute real lawbreakers.


SANUDO, 23 I&N Dec. 968 (BIA 2006)

ID 3537 (PDF)

(1) An alien's conviction for domestic battery in violation of sections 242 and 243(e)(1) of the California Penal Code does not qualify categorically as a conviction for a "crime involving moral turpitude" within the meaning of section 237(a)(2)(A)(ii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(A)(ii) (2000).

(2) In removal proceedings arising within the jurisdiction of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the offense of domestic battery in violation of sections 242 and 243(e)(1) of the California Penal Code does not presently qualify categorically as a "crime of violence" under 18 U.S.C. § 16 (2000), such that it may be considered a "crime of domestic violence" under section 237(a)(2)(E)(i) of the Act. Ortega-Mendez v. Gonzales, 450 F.3d 1010 (9th Cir. 2006), followed.


ROWE, 23 I&N Dec. 962 (BIA 2006)

ID 3536 (PDF)

(1) Under the laws of Guyana, the sole means of legitimation of a child born out of wedlock is the marriage of the child's natural parents. Matter of Goorahoo, 20 I&N Dec. 782 (BIA 1994), overruled.

(2) Where the respondent was born out of wedlock in Guyana and his natural parents were never married, his paternity has not been established by legitimation, so he is not ineligible to obtain derivative citizenship under former section 321(a)(3) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1432(a)(3) (1994).


C-A-, as 23 I&N Dec. 951 (BIA 2006)

ID 3535 (PDF)

(1) The members of a particular social group must share a common, immutable characteristic, which may be an innate one, such as sex, color, or kinship ties, or a shared past experience, such as former military leadership or land ownership, but it must be one that members of the group either cannot change, or should not be required to change, because it is fundamental to their individual identities or consciences. Matter of Acosta, 19 I&N Dec. 211(BIA 1985), followed.

(2) The social visibility of the members of a claimed social group is an important consideration in identifying the existence of a "particular social group" for the purpose of determining whether a person qualifies as a refugee.

(3) The group of "former noncriminal drug informants working against the Cali drug cartel" does not have the requisite social visibility to constitute a "particular social group."


S-K-, as 23 I&N Dec. 936 (BIA 2006)

ID 3534 (PDF)

(1) The statutory language of section 212(a)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C.A. § 1182(a)(3)(B) (West 2005), does not allow a "totality of the circumstances" test to be employed in determining whether an organization is engaged in terrorist activity, so factors such as an organization's purposes or goals and the nature of the regime that the organization opposes may not be considered.

(2) Neither an alien's intent in making a donation to a terrorist organization nor the intended use of the donation by the recipient is considered in assessing whether the alien provided "material support" to a terrorist organization under section 212(a)(3)(B)(iv)(VI) of the Act.

(3) The respondent's contribution of S$1100 (Singapore dollars) over an 11-month period to the Chin National Front was sufficiently substantial to constitute material support to an organization, which despite its democratic goals and use of force only in self-defense, is defined by statute as a terrorist organization acting against the Government of Burma, so the respondent is barred from asylum and withholding of removal.


WANG, as 23 I&N Dec. 924 (BIA 2006)

ID 3533 (PDF)

(1) An alien who entered the United States without inspection is not eligible for adjustment of status under the Chinese Student Protection Act of 1992, Pub. L. No. 102-404, 106 Stat. 1969 ("CSPA").

(2) An alien whose CSPA application for adjustment of status was denied as a result of the alien's entry without inspection may not amend or renew the application in immigration proceedings in conjunction with section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1255(i) (2000).


J-F-F-, 23 I&N Dec. 912 (A.G. 2006)

ID 3532 (PDF)

An alien's eligibility for deferral of removal under the Convention Against Torture cannot be established by stringing together a series of suppositions to show that it is more likely than not that torture will result where the evidence does not establish that each step in the hypothetical chain of events is more likely than not to happen.


RODARTE, 23 I&N Dec. 905 (BIA 2006)

ID 3531 (PDF)

(1) To be rendered inadmissible for 10 years pursuant to section 212(a)(9)(B)(i)(II) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(9)(B)(i)(II) (2000), an alien must depart the United States after having been unlawfully present in the United States for 1 year or longer.

(2) Pursuant to sections 301(b)(3) and 309(a) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Division C of Pub. L. No. 104-208, 110 Stat. 3009-546, 3009-578, 309-625, no period of an alien's presence in the United States prior to April 1, 1997, may be considered "unlawful presence" for purposes of determining an alien's inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Act.


C-C-, 23 I&N Dec. 899 (BIA 2006)

ID 3530 (PDF)

An alien seeking to reopen removal proceedings based on a claim that the birth of a second child in the United States will result in the alien's forced sterilization in China cannot establish prima facie eligibility for relief where the evidence submitted with the motion and the relevant country conditions reports do not indicate that Chinese nationals returning to that country with foreign-born children have been subjected to forced sterilization in the alien's home province. Guo v. Ashcroft, 386 F.3d 556 (3d Cir. 2004), distinguished.


OLQUIN, 23 I&N Dec. 896 (BIA 2006)

ID 3529 (PDF)

The offense of possession of child pornography in violation of section 827.071(5) of the Florida Statutes is a crime involving moral turpitude.


BAUTISTA GOMEZ, 23 I&N Dec. 893 (BIA 2006)

ID 3528 (PDF)

The provision in 8 C.F.R. § 1003.23(b)(3) (2005) that an applicant for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b) (2000), must demonstrate statutory eligibility for that relief prior to the service of a notice to appear applies only to the continuous physical presence requirement and has no bearing on the issues of qualifying relatives, hardship, or good moral character.


VILLARREAL-ZUNIGA, 23 I&N Dec. 886 (BIA 2006)

ID 3527 (PDF)

An application for adjustment of status cannot be based on an approved visa petition that has already been used by the beneficiary to obtain adjustment of status or admission as an immigrant.


ALCANTARA-PEREZ, 23 I&N Dec. 882 (BIA 2006)

ID 3526 (PDF)

(1) When the Board of Immigration Appeals has remanded the record for completion of background and security checks and new information that may affect the alien's eligibility for relief is revealed, the Immigration Judge has discretion to determine whether to conduct an additional hearing to consider the new evidence before entering an order granting or denying relief.

(2) When a proceeding is remanded for background and security checks, but no new information is presented as a result of those checks, the Immigration Judge should enter an order granting relief.


ADAMIAK, 23 I&N Dec. 878 (BIA 2006)

ID 3525 (PDF)

A conviction vacated pursuant to section 2943.031 of the Ohio Revised Code for failure of the trial court to advise the alien defendant of the possible immigration consequences of a guilty plea is no longer a valid conviction for immigration purposes.


TORRES-GARCIA, 23 I&N Dec. 866 (BIA 2006)

ID 3524 (PDF)

(1) An alien who reenters the United States without admission after having previously been removed is inadmissible under section 212(a)(9)(C)(i)(II) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(9)(C)(i)(II) (2000), even if the alien obtained the Attorney General's permission to reapply for admission prior to reentering unlawfully.

(2) An alien is statutorily ineligible for a waiver of inadmissibility under the first sentence of section 212(a)(9)(C)(ii) of the Act unless more than 10 years have elapsed since the date of the alien's last departure from the United States.


V-F-D-, 23 I&N Dec. 859 (BIA 2006)

ID 3523 (PDF)

A victim of sexual abuse who is under the age of 18 is a “minor” for purposes of determining whether an alien has been convicted of sexual abuse of a minor within the meaning of section 101(a)(43)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(A) (2000).


COTA, 23 I&N Dec. 849 (BIA 2005)

ID 3522 (PDF)

A trial court’s decision to modify or reduce an alien’s criminal sentence nunc pro tunc is entitled to full faith and credit by the Immigration Judges and the Board of Immigration Appeals, and such a modified or reduced sentence is recognized as valid for purposes of the immigration law without regard to the trial court’s reasons for effecting the modification or reduction. Matter of Song, 23 I&N Dec. 173 (BIA 2001), clarified; Matter of Pickering, 23 I&N Dec. 621 (BIA 2003), distinguished.


RAMOS, 23 I&N Dec. 843 (BIA 2005)

ID 3521 (PDF)

(1) Under the attorney discipline regulations, a disbarment order issued against a practitioner by the highest court of a State creates a rebuttable presumption that disciplinary sanctions should follow, which can only be rebutted upon a showing that the underlying disciplinary proceeding resulted in a deprivation of due process, that there was an infirmity of proof establishing the misconduct, or that discipline would result in injustice.

(2) A practitioner who has been expelled may petition the Board of Immigration Appeals for reinstatement after 1 year, but such reinstatement is not automatic and the practitioner must qualify as an attorney or representative under the regulations.

(3) The Government is not required to show that an attorney has “appeared” before it, because any attorney is a “practitioner” and is therefore subject to sanctions under the attorney discipline regulations following disbarment.

(4) Where the respondent was disbarred by the Supreme Court of Florida as a result of his extensive unethical conduct, expulsion from practice before the Board, the Immigration Courts, and the Department of Homeland Security is an appropriate sanction.


SMRIKO, 23 I&N Dec. 836 (BIA 2005)

ID 3520 (PDF)

(1) Removal proceedings may be commenced against an alien who was admitted to the United States as a refugee under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1157 (2000), without prior termination of the alien’s refugee status.

(2) The respondent, who was admitted to the Unites States as a refugee and adjusted his status to that of a lawful permanent resident, is subject to removal on the basis of his convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude, even though his refugee status was never terminated.


PEREZ VARGAS, 23 I&N Dec. 829 (BIA 2005)

ID 3519 (PDF)

Immigration Judges have no authority to determine whether the validity of an alien’s approved employment-based visa petition is preserved under section 204(j) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1154(j) (2000), after the alien’s change in jobs or employers.


E-L-H-, 23 I&N Dec. 814 (BIA 2005)

ID 3518 (PDF)

A precedent decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals applies to all proceedings involving the same issue unless and until it is modified or overruled by the Attorney General, the Board, Congress, or a Federal court. Matter of E-L-H-, 22 I&N Dec. 21 (BIA 1998), reaffirmed.


AVILEZ, 23 I&N Dec. 799 (BIA 2005)

ID 3517 (PDF)

(1) Where an alien departed the United States for a period less than that specified in section 240A(d)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(d)(2)(2000), and unsuccessfully attempted reentry at a land border port of entry before actually reentering, physical presence continued to accrue for purposes of cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1)(A) unless, during that attempted reentry, the alien was formally excluded or made subject to an order of expedited removal, was offered and accepted the opportunity to withdraw an application for admission, or was subjected to some other formal, documented process pursuant to which the alien was determined to be inadmissible to the United States.

(2) The respondent’s 2-week absence from the United States did not break her continuous physical presence where she was refused admission by an immigration official at a port of entry, returned to Mexico without any threat of the institution of exclusion proceedings, and subsequently reentered without inspection.


ORTEGA-CABRERA, 23 I&N Dec. 793 (BIA 2005)

ID 3516 (PDF)

(1) Because an application for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(1) (2000), is a continuing one for purposes of evaluating an alien’s moral character, the period during which good moral character must be established ends with the entry of a final administrative decision by the Immigration Judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals.

(2) To establish eligibility for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1) of the Act, an alien must show good moral character for a period of 10 years, which is calculated backward from the date on which the application is finally resolved by the Immigration Judge or the Board.


A-H-, 23 I&N Dec. 774 (A.G. 2005)

ID 3515 (PDF)

(1) The Attorney General denied asylum in the exercise of discretion to a leader-in-exile of the Islamic Salvation Front of Algeria who was associated with armed groups that committed widespread acts of persecution and terrorism in Algeria, because the United States has significant interests in combating violent acts of persecution and terrorism, and it is inconsistent with these interests to provide safe haven to individuals who have connections to such acts of violence.

(2) Terrorist acts committed by the armed Islamist groups in Algeria, including the bombing of civilian targets and the widespread murders of journalists and intellectuals on account of their political opinions or religious beliefs, constitute the persecution of others.

(3) A person who is a leader-in-exile of a political movement may be found to have “incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in” acts of persecution in the home country by an armed group connected to that political movement where there is evidence indicating that the leader (1) was instrumental in creating and sustaining the ties between the political movement and the armed group and was aware of the atrocities committed by the armed group; (2) used his profile and position of influence to make public statements that encouraged those atrocities; or (3) made statements that appear to have condoned the persecution without publicly and specifically disassociating himself and his movement from the acts of persecution, particularly if his statements appear to have resulted in an increase in the persecution.

(4) The phrase “danger to the security of the United States” means any nontrivial risk to the Nation’s defense, foreign relations, or economic interests, and there are “reasonable grounds for regarding” an alien as a danger to the national security where there is information that would permit a reasonable person to believe that the alien may pose such a danger.

(5) The Attorney General remanded the record for further consideration by the Board of Immigration Appeals of the questions whether (1) there is sufficient evidence to indicate that the respondent “incited, assisted, or otherwise participated in the persecution” of others; (2) deference should be given to the credibility findings of the Immigration Judge; (3) there are “reasonable grounds for regarding [the respondent] as a danger to the security of the United States”; (4) the respondent presently faces a threat to his life or freedom if removed to Algeria; and (5) the respondent presently faces a likelihood of being tortured in Algeria.


BRIEVA, 23 I&N Dec. 766 (BIA 2005)

ID 3514 (PDF)

(1) The offense of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in violation of section 31.07(a) of the Texas Penal Code is a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 16(b) (2000) and is therefore an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(F) (2000).

(2) An alien who is removable on the basis of his conviction for a crime of violence is ineligible for a waiver under former section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(c) (1994), because the aggravated felony ground of removal with which he was charged has no statutory counterpart in the grounds of inadmissibility under section 212(a) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a) (2000).


SHANU, 23 I&N Dec. 754 (BIA 2005)

ID 3513 (PDF)

(1) The phrase “date of admission” in section 237(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(A)(i) (2000), refers to, among other things, the date on which a previously admitted alien is lawfully admitted for permanent residence by means of adjustment of status.

(2) An alien convicted of a single crime involving moral turpitude that is punishable by a term of imprisonment of at least 1 year is removable from the United States under section 237(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Act if the crime was committed within 5 years after the date of any admission made by the alien, whether it be the first or any subsequent admission.


LOVO, 23 I&N Dec. 746 (BIA 2005)

ID 3512 (PDF)

(1) The Defense of Marriage Act, Pub. L. No. 104-199, 110 Stat. 2419 (1996), does not preclude, for purposes of Federal law, recognition of a marriage involving a postoperative transsexual, where the marriage is considered by the State in which it was performed as one between two individuals of the opposite sex.

(2) A marriage between a postoperative transsexual and a person of the opposite sex may be the basis for benefits under section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1151(b)(2)(A)(i) (2000), where the State in which the marriage occurred recognizes the change in sex of the postoperative transsexual and considers the marriage a valid heterosexual marriage.


A-M-, 23 I&N Dec. 737 (BIA 2005)

ID 3511 (PDF)

(1) Absent specific reasons for reducing the period of voluntary departure initially granted by the Immigration Judge at the conclusion of removal proceedings, the Board of Immigration Appeals will reinstate the same period of time for voluntary departure afforded to the alien by the Immigration Judge. Matter of Chouliaris, 16 I&N Dec. 168 (BIA 1977), modified.

(2) The respondent, whose asylum application was not filed within a year of his arrival in the United States, failed to demonstrate his eligibility for an exception to the filing deadline or for any other relief based on his claim of persecution in Indonesia, but the 60-day period of voluntary departure granted to him by the Immigration Judge was reinstated.


X-K-, 23 I&N Dec. 731 (BIA 2005)

ID 3510 (PDF)

An alien who is initially screened for expedited removal under section 235(b)(1)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1225(b)(1)(A) (2000), as a member of the class of aliens designated pursuant to the authority in section 235(b)(1)(A)(iii), but who is subsequently placed in removal proceedings under section 240 of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229a 2000), following a positive credible fear determination, is eligible for a custody redetermination hearing before an Immigration Judge unless the alien is a member of any of the listed classes of aliens who are specifically excluded from the custody jurisdiction of Immigration Judges pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1003.19(h)(2)(i) (2004).


BLAKE, 23 I&N Dec. 722 (BIA 2005)

ID 3509 (PDF)

An alien who is removable on the basis of his conviction for sexual abuse of a minor is ineligible for a waiver under former section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(c) (1994), because the aggravated felony ground of removal with which he was charged has no statutory counterpart in the grounds of inadmissibility under section 212(a) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a) (2000). Matter of Meza, 20 I&N Dec. 257 (BIA 1991), distinguished.


LUVIANO, 23 I&N Dec. 718 (A.G. 2005)

ID 3508 (PDF)

An alien whose firearms conviction was expunged pursuant to section 1203.4 of the California Penal Code has been “convicted” for immigration purposes. Matter of Marroquin, 23 I&N Dec. 705 (A.G. 2005), followed.


MARROQUIN, 23 I&N Dec. 705 (A.G. 2005)

ID 3507 (PDF)

(1) The federal definition of “conviction” at section 101(a)(48)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(48)(A) (2000), encompasses convictions, other than those involving first-time simple possession of narcotics, that have been vacated or set aside pursuant to an expungement statute for reasons that do not go to the legal propriety of the original judgment, and that continue to impose some restraints or penalties upon the defendant’s liberty.

(2) An alien whose firearms conviction was expunged pursuant to section 1203.4 of the California Penal Code has been “convicted” for immigration purposes.


E-L-H-, 23 I&N Dec. 700 (A.G. 2004)

ID 3506 (PDF)

The Attorney General remanded the case for reconsideration, in light of Matter of A-H-, A.G. Order No. 2380-2001 (Jan. 19, 2001), whether a decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals is final and effective while it is pending review before the Attorney General on certification.


AZURIN; 23 I&N Dec. 695 (BIA 2005)

ID 3505 (PDF)

An alien who, prior to the 1996 amendments made to former section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(c) (1994), pled guilty to an offense that rendered him inadmissible as an alien convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, as well as removable based on his conviction for an aggravated felony and a firearms offense, may seek a waiver of his inadmissibility under section 212(c) in conjunction with an application for adjustment of status, despite regulatory changes relating to the availability of section 212(c) relief. Matter of Gabryelsky, 20 I&N Dec. 750 (BIA 1993), reaffirmed.


R-A-, 23 I&N Dec. 694 (A.G. 2005)

ID 3504 (PDF)

The Attorney General remanded the record to the BIA for reconsideration of its decision in Matter of R-A-, 22 I&N Dec. 906 (A.G. 2001; BIA 1999), following final publication of the proposed rule published at 65 Fed. Reg. 76,588 (Dec. 7, 2000).


C-Y-Z-, 23 I&N Dec. 693 (A.G. 2004)

ID 3503 (PDF)

The Attorney General denied the request of the Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service to certify for review the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals.


ESLAMIZAR, 23 I&N Dec. 684 (BIA 2004)

ID 3502 (PDF)

An alien found guilty of a “violation” under Oregon law in a proceeding conducted pursuant to section 153.076 of the Oregon Revised Statutes does not have a “conviction” for immigration purposes under section 101(a)(48)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(48)(A) (2000).


L-K-, 23 I&N Dec. 677 (BIA 2004)

ID 3501 (PDF)

(1) Under section 245(c)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1255(c)(2) (2000), an alien who has failed to continuously maintain a lawful status since entry into the United States, other than through no fault of his own or for technical reasons, is ineligible for adjustment of status under section 245(a) of the Act.

(2) A failure to maintain lawful status is not “for technical reasons” within the meaning of section 245(c)(2) of the Act and the applicable regulations at 8 C.F.R. § 1245.1(d)(2)(ii) (2004), where the alien filed an asylum application while in lawful nonimmigrant status, the nonimmigrant status subsequently expired, and the asylum application was referred to the Immigration Court prior to the time the alien applied for adjustment of status.


CISNEROS-GONZALEZ, 23 I&N Dec. 668

ID 3500 (PDF)

(1) Pursuant to section 240A(d)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(d)(1) (2000), an alien’s period of continuous physical presence in the United States is deemed to end when the alien is served with the charging document that is the basis for the current proceeding.

(2) Service of a charging document in a prior proceeding does not serve to end the alien’s period of continuous physical presence with respect to an application for cancellation ofremoval filed in the current proceeding. Matter of Mendoza-Sandino, 22 I&N Dec. 1236 (BIA 2000), distinguished.


K-A-, 23 I&N Dec. 661 (BIA 2004)

ID 3499 (PDF)

(1) Pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 1209.2(c) (2004), once an asylee has been placed in removal proceedings, the Immigration Judge and the Board of Immigration Appeals have exclusive jurisdiction to adjudicate the asylee’s applications for adjustment of status and a waiver of inadmissibility under sections 209(b) and (c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §§ 1159(b) and (c) (2000). Matter of H-N-, 22 I&N Dec. 1039 (BIA 1999), distinguished.

(2) Termination of a grant of asylum pursuant to section 208(c)(2) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1158(c)(2) (2000), is not mandatory with respect to an asylee who qualifies for and merits adjustment of status and a waiver of inadmissibility under sections 209(b) and (c) of the Act.


MALTA, 23 I & N Dec. 23 I&N Dec. 656 (BIA 2004)

ID 3498 (PDF)

A stalking offense for harassing conduct in violation of section 646.9(b) of the California Penal Code, which proscribes stalking when there is a temporary restraining order, injunction, or any other court order in effect prohibiting the stalking behavior, is a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 16(b) (2000), and is therefore an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(F) (2000).


VARGAS, 23 I&N Dec. 651 (BIA 2004)

ID 3497 (PDF)

The offense of manslaughter in the first degree in violation of section 125.20 of the New York Penal Law is a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 18(b) (2000) and is therefore an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(F) (2000).


GADDA, 23 I&N Dec. 645 (BIA 2003)

ID 3496 (PDF)

(1) An attorney who practices immigration law in proceedings before the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Immigration Courts, and the Department of Homeland Security must be a member in good standing of a State bar and is therefore subject to discipline by State bar authorities.

(2) The Board of Immigration Appeals has authority to increase the level of disciplinary sanction initially imposed by an adjudicating official against an attorney.

(3) Where the respondent was disbarred by the Supreme Court of California based on his egregious and repeated acts of professional misconduct over a number of years, expulsion from practice before the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Immigration Courts, and the Department of Homeland Security is an appropriate sanction.


R-S-H-, 23 I & N 629 (BIA 2003)

ID 3495 (PDF)

(1) Under 8 C.F.R. § 1003.46(i) (formerly 8 C.F.R. § 3.46(i)), the mandatory consequence for violating a protective order is that the respondent becomes ineligible for any form of discretionary relief, except for bond.

(2) The mandatory consequence for breaching a protective order will be applied unless a respondent fully cooperates with the Government in any investigation relating to the noncompliance and, additionally, establishes by clear and convincing evidence either that extraordinary and extremely unusual circumstances exist or that failure to comply with the protective order was beyond the control of the respondent and his or her attorney or accredited representative.

(3) The presence of federal employees, including court personnel or Department of Justice attorneys, at a closed hearing where a protective order is discussed does not violate the protective order regulations.

(4) The respondent is ineligible for any form of discretionary relief, except for bond, because a protective order issued by the Immigration Judge was violated by disclosure of protected information to unauthorized persons.


SUH, 23 I & N 626 (BIA 2003)

ID 3494 (PDF)

(1) A presidential or gubernatorial pardon waives only the grounds of removal specifically set forth in section 237(a)(2)(A)(v) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1227(a)(2)(A)(v) (2000), and no implicit waivers may be read into the statute.

(2) The respondent’s pardon did not waive his removability as an alien convicted of a crime of domestic violence or child abuse under section 237(a)(2)(E)(i) of the Act, because that section is not specifically included in section 237(a)(2)(A)(v).


PICKERING, 23 I&N Dec. 621 (BIA 2003)

ID 3493 (PDF)

(1) If a court vacates an alien’s conviction for reasons solely related to rehabilitation or immigration hardships, rather than on the basis of a procedural or substantive defect in the underlying criminal proceedings, the conviction is not eliminated for immigration purposes.

(2) Where the record indicated that the respondent’s conviction for possession of a controlled substance was quashed by a Canadian court for the sole purpose of avoiding the bar to his acquisition of permanent residence, the court’s action was not effective to eliminate the conviction for immigration purposes.


Y-T-L-, 23 I&N Dec. 601 (BIA 2003)

ID 3492 (PDF)

Where an alien has established past persecution based on the forced sterilization of his spouse pursuant to a policy of coercive family planning, the fact that, owing to such sterilization, the alien and his spouse face no further threat of forced sterilization or abortion does not constitute a “fundamental change” in circumstances sufficient to meet the standards for a discretionary denial under 8 C.F.R. § 1208.13(b)(1)(i)(A).


DEANDRA-ROMO, 23 I&N Dec. 597 (BIA 2003)

ID 3491 (PDF)

The respondent, who was convicted of two misdemeanor crimes involving moral turpitude, is not precluded by the provisions of section 240A(d)(1)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(d)(1)(B) (2000), from establishing the requisite 7 years of continuous residence for cancellation of removal under section 240A(a)(2), because his first crime, whichm qualifies as a petty offense, did not render him inadmissible, and he had accrued the requisite 7 years of continuous residence before the second offense was committed.


GARCIA-HERNANDEZ, 23 I&N Dec. 590 (BIA 2003)

ID 3490 (PDF)

(1) An alien who has been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude that falls within the “petty offense” exception in section 212(a)(2)(A)(ii)(II) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(2)(A)(ii)(II) (1994), is not ineligible for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1)(C) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b)(1)(C) (Supp. IV 1998), because he “has not been convicted of an offense under section 212(a)(2)” of the Act.

(2) An alien who has committed a crime involving moral turpitude that falls within the “petty offense” exception is not ineligible for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1)(B) of the Act, because commission of a petty offense does not bar the offender from establishing good moral character under section 101(f)(3) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(f)(3) (Supp. IV 1998).

(3) An alien who has committed more than one petty offense is not ineligible for the “petty offense” exception if “only one crime” is a crime involving moral turpitude.

(4) The respondent, who was convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude that qualifies as a petty offense, was not rendered ineligible for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b)(1) of Act by either his conviction or his commission of another offense that is not a crime involving moral turpitude.


NAVAS-ACOSTA, 23 I&N Dec. 586

ID 3489 (PDF)

(1) United States nationality cannot be acquired by taking an oath of allegiance pursuant to an application for naturalization, because birth and naturalization are the only means of acquiring United States nationality under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

(2) The respondent, who was born abroad and did not acquire United States nationality at birth, by naturalization, or by congressional action, failed to establish such nationality by declaring his allegiance to the United States in connection with an application for naturalization.


D-J-, 23 I&N Dec. 572 (A.G. 2003)

ID 3488 (PDF)

(1) The Attorney General has broad discretion in bond proceedings under section 236(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1226(a) (2000), to determine whether to release an alien on bond.

(2) Neither section 236(a) of the Act nor the applicable regulations confer on an alien the right to release on bond.

(3) In determining whether to release on bond undocumented migrants who arrive in the United States by sea seeking to evade inspection, it is appropriate to consider national security interests implicated by the encouragement of further unlawful mass migrations and the release of undocumented alien migrants into the United States without adequate screening.

(4) In bond proceedings involving aliens seeking to enter the United States illegally, where the Government offers evidence from sources in the Executive Branch with relevant expertise establishing that significant national security interests are implicated, Immigration Judges and the Board of Immigration Appeals shall consider such interests.

(5) Considering national security grounds applicable to a category of aliens in denying an unadmitted alien's request for release on bond does not violate any due process right to an individualized determination in bond proceedings under section 236(a) of the Act.

(6) The denial of the respondent's release on bond does not violate international law.

(7) Release of the respondent on bond is unwarranted due to considerations of sound immigration policy and national security that would be undercut by the release of the respondent and other similarly situated undocumented alien migrants who unlawfully crossed the borders of the United States on October 29, 2002; further, the respondent failed to demonstrate adequately that he does not present a risk of flight if released and should be denied bond on that basis as well.


AASAD, 23 I&N Dec. 553 (BIA 2003)

ID 3487 (PDF)

(1) Case law of the United States Supreme Court holding, in the context of criminal proceedings, that there can be no deprivation of effective assistance of counsel where there is no constitutional right to counsel does not require withdrawal from Matter of Lozada, 19 I&N Dec. 637 (BIA 1988), aff’d, 857 F.2d 10 (1st Cir. 1988), finding a right to assert a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel in immigration proceedings, where the United States Courts of Appeals have recognized that a respondent has a Fifth Amendment due process right to a fair immigration hearing, which may be denied if counsel prevents the respondent from meaningfully presenting his or her case.

(2) The respondent did not establish that his former counsel’s failure to file a timely appeal constituted sufficient prejudice to warrant consideration of his late appeal on the basis of ineffective assistance of counsel.


KOLOAMATANGI, 23 I&N Dec. 548 (BIA 2003)

ID 3486 (PDF)

An alien who acquired permanent resident status through fraud or misrepresentation has never been “lawfully admitted for permanent residence” and is therefore ineligible for cancellation of removal under section 240A(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(a) (2000).


M-D-, 23 I&N Dec. 540 (BIA 2002)

ID 3485 (PDF)

(1) An alien may be charged with receipt of a notice to appear and notice of the hearing date, where the notice is sent by certified mail to the alien’s correct address, but it is returned by the United States Postal Service marked “unclaimed.”

(2) The regulations at 8 C.F.R. § 3.13 (2002) do not require that the notice to appear or notice of hearing in removal proceedings be sent to the alien or the alien’s attorney of record by regular mail, as opposed to certified mail.


MEJIA-ANDINO, 23 I&N Dec. 533 (BIA 2002)

ID 3484 (PDF)

Removal proceedings against a minor under 14 years of age were properly terminated because service of the notice to appear failed to meet the requirements of 8 C.F.R. § 103.5a(c)(2)(ii) (2002), as it was served only on a person identified as the respondent’s uncle, and no effort was made to serve the notice on the respondent’s parents, who apparently live in the United States.


GOMEZ-GOMEZ, 23 I&N Dec. 522 (BIA 2002)

ID 3483 (PDF)

(1) The Immigration and Naturalization Service met its burden, in an in absentia removal proceeding, of establishing a minor respondent’s removability by clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence, where (1) a Record of Deportable/Inadmissible Alien (Form I-213) was submitted, documenting the respondent’s identity and alienage; (2) the respondent, who failed without good cause to appear at her removal hearing, made no challenge to the admissibility of the Form I-213; (3) there were no grounds for a finding that the admission of the Form I-213 would be fundamentally unfair; and (4) no independent evidence in the record supported the Immigration Judge’s conclusion that the respondent may not have been the child of the adult who claimed to be the respondent’s parent and who furnished the information regarding her foreign citizenship. Matter of Ponce-Hernandez, 22 I&N Dec. 784 (BIA 1999), followed.

(2) The respondent, a minor who could not be expected to attend immigration proceedings on her own, was properly notified of her hearing, through proper mailing of a Notice to Appear (Form I-862) to the last address provided by her parent, with whom she was residing.


ELGENDI, 23 I&N Dec. 515 (BIA 2002)

ID 3482 (PDF)

In accordance with authoritative precedent of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in United States v. Pornes-Garcia, 171 F.3d 142 (2d Cir. 1999), and United States v. Polanco, 29 F.3d 35 (2d Cir. 1994), an individual who has been convicted twice of misdemeanor possession of marijuana in violation of New York State law has not been convicted of an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(B) (2000).


MARTIN, 23 I&N Dec. 491 (BIA 2002) (Reposted due to editorial change)

ID 3481 (PDF)

The offense of third-degree assault in violation of section 53a-61(a)(1) of the Connecticut General Statutes, which involves the intentional infliction of physical injury upon another, is a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 16(a) (2000) and is therefore an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(F) (2000).


M-B-A, 23 I&N Dec. 474 (BIA 2002)

ID 3480 (PDF)

A Nigerian convicted of a drug offense in the United States failed to establish eligibility for deferral of removal under Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture because the evidence she presented regarding the enforcement of Decree No. 33 of the Nigerian National Drug Law Enforcement Agency against individuals similarly situated to her was insufficient to demonstrate that it is more likely than not that she will be tortured by a public official, or at the instigation or with the consent or acquiescence of such an official, if she is deported to Nigeria.


RECINAS, 23 I&N Dec. 467 (BIA 2002)

ID 3479 (PDF)

(1) The respondent, a single mother who has no immediate family remaining in Mexico, provides the sole support for her six children, and has limited financial resources, established eligibility for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b) (2002), because she demonstrated that her United States citizen children, who are 12, 11, 8, and 5 years old, will suffer exceptional and extremely unusual hardship upon her removal to her native country.

(2) The factors considered in assessing the hardship to the respondent’s children include the heavy burden imposed on the respondent to provide the sole financial and familial support for her six children if she is deported to Mexico, the lack of any family in her native country, the children’s unfamiliarity with the Spanish language, and the unavailability of an alternative means of immigrating to this country.


S-H-, 23 I&N Dec. 462 (BIA 2002)

ID 3478 (PDF)

Under new regulations that become effective on September 25, 2002, the Board of Immigration Appeals has limited fact-finding ability on appeal, which heightens the need for Immigration Judges to include in their decisions clear and complete findings of fact that are supported by the record and are in compliance with controlling law. Matter of Vilanova-Gonzalez, 13 I&N Dec. 399 (BIA 1969), and Matter of Becerra-Miranda, 12 I&N Dec. 358 (BIA 1967), superseded.


BLANCAS, 23 I&N Dec. 458 (BIA 2002)

ID 3477 (PDF)

The period of an alien’s residence in the United States after admission as a nonimmigrant may be considered in calculating the 7 years of continuous residence required to establish eligibility for cancellation of removal under section 240A(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(a)(2) (Supp. V 1999).


SMALL, 23 I&N Dec. 448 (BIA 2002)

ID 3476 (PDF)

A misdemeanor offense of sexual abuse of a minor constitutes an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)((2000)


ROMALEZ, 23 I&N Dec. 423 (BIA 2002)

ID 3475 (PDF)

For purposes of determining eligibility for cancellation of removal pursuant to section 240A(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b) (Supp. IV 1998), continuous physical presence is deemed to end at the time an alien is compelled to depart the United States under threat of the institution of deportation or removal proceedings.


SANTOS-LOPEZ ,23 I&N Dec. 419 (BIA 2002)

ID 3474 (PDF)

(1) Under the decisions of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in United States v. Hernandez-Avalos, 251 F.3d 505 (5th Cir.), cert. denied, 122 S. Ct. 305 (2001), and United States v. Hinojosa-Lopez, 130 F.3d 691 (5th Cir. 1997), a determination whether an offense is a “felony” for purposes of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(2) (2000) depends on the classification of the offense under the law of the convicting jurisdiction. Matter of Yanez, 23 I&N Dec. 390 (BIA 2002), followed.

(2) Each of the respondent’s two convictions for possession of marihuana is classified as a misdemeanor offense under Texas law; therefore, neither conviction is for a “felony” within the meaning of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(2) or an “aggravated felony” within the meaning of section 101(a)(43)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(B) (2000).


YANEZ, 23 I&N Dec. 390 (BIA 2002)

ID 3473 (PDF)

The determination whether a state drug offense constitutes a “drug trafficking crime” under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(2) (2000), such that it may be considered an “aggravated felony” under section 101(a)(43)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(B) (2000), shall be made by reference to decisional authority from the federal circuit courts of appeals, and not by reference to any separate legal standard adopted by the Board of Immigration Appeals. Matter of K-V-D-, Interim Decision 3422 (BIA 1999), overruled. Matter of L-G-, 21 I&N Dec. 89 (BIA 1995), and Matter of Davis, 20 I&N Dec. 536 (BIA 1992), modified.


JEAN, 23 I&N Dec. 373 (A.G. 2002)

ID 3472 (PDF)

(1) The 30-day period set forth in 8 C.F.R. § 3.38(b) (2002) for filing an appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals is mandatory and jurisdictional, and it begins to run upon the issuance of a final disposition in the case.

(2) The Board of Immigration Appeals’ authority under 8 C.F.R. § 3.1(c) (2002) to certifycases to itself in its discretion is limited to exceptional circumstances, and is not meant to be used as a general cure for filing defects or to otherwise circumvent the regulations, where enforcing them might result in hardship.

(3) In evaluating the propriety of granting an otherwise inadmissible alien a discretionary waiver to permit adjustment of status from refugee to lawful permanent resident pursuant to section 209(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1159(c) (2000), any humanitarian, family unity preservation, or public interest considerations must be balanced against the seriousness of the criminal offense that rendered the alien inadmissible.

(4) Aliens who have committed violent or dangerous crimes will not be granted a discretionary waiver to permit adjustment of status from refugee to lawful permanent resident pursuant to section 209(c) of the Act except in extraordinary circumstances, such as those involving national security or foreign policy considerations, or cases in which an alien clearly demonstrates that the denial of status adjustment would result in exceptional and extremely nusual hardship. Depending on the gravity of the alien’s underlying criminal offense, such a showing of exceptional and extremely unusual hardship might still be insufficient.

(5) Aliens who have committed violent or dangerous crimes will not be granted asylum, even if they are technically eligible for such relief, except in extraordinary circumstances, such as those involving national security or foreign policy considerations, or cases in which an alien clearly demonstrates that the denial of status adjustment would result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship. Depending on the gravity of the alien’s underlying criminal offense, such a showing of exceptional and extremely unusual hardship might still be insufficient.


G-A-, 23 I&N Dec. 366 (BIA 2002)

ID 3471 (PDF)

An Iranian Christian of Armenian descent demonstrated eligibility for deferral of removal under Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture and 8 C.F.R. § 208.17(a) (2001) by establishing that it is more likely than not that he will be tortured if deported to Iran based on a combination of factors, including his religion, his ethnicity, the duration of his residence in the United States, and his drug-related convictions in this country.


G-C-L-, 23 I&N Dec. 359 (BIA 2002)

ID 3470 (PDF)

The Board of Immigration Appeals withdraws from its policy of granting untimely motions to reopen by applicants claiming eligibility for asylum based solely on coercive population control policies, effective 90 days from the date of this decision. Matter of X-G-W-, Interim Decision 3352 (BIA 1998), superseded.


U-H-, 23 I&N Dec. 355 (BIA 2002)

ID 3469 (PDF)

Section 412 of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Pub. L. No. 107-56, 115 Stat. 272, 351 (“USA PATRIOT ACT”), does not change the standard employed to determine, for purposes of adjudicating an application for asylum or withholding of removal, whether there is reasonable ground to believe that an alien is engaged in, or is likely to engage in, terrorist activity under section 212(a)(3)(B)(i)(II) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(3)(B)(i)(II) (2000), or whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that he or she is a danger to the security of the United States under section 241(b)(3)(B)(iv) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1231(b)(3)(B)(iv) (2000).


RAMOS, 23 I&N Dec. 336 (BIA 2002)

ID 3468 (PDF)

(1) In cases arising in circuits where the federal court of appeals has not decided whether the offense of driving under the influence is a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 16(b) (2000), an offense will be considered a crime of violence if it is committed at least recklessly and involves a substantial risk that the perpetrator may resort to the use of force to carry out the crime; otherwise, where the circuit court has ruled on the issue, the law of the circuit will be applied to cases arising in that jurisdiction.

(2) The offense of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor in violation of chapter 90, section 24(1)(a)(1) of the Massachusetts General Laws is not a felony that, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense and is therefore not a crime of violence. Matter of Puente, Interim Decision 3412 (BIA 1999), and Matter of Magallanes, Interim Decision 3341 (BIA 1998), overruled.


ANDAZOLA, 23 I&N Dec. 319 (BIA 2002)

ID 3467 (PDF)

(1) The respondent, an unmarried mother, did not establish eligibility for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b) (2000), because she failed to demonstrate that her 6- and 11-year-old United States citizen children will suffer exceptional and extremely unusual hardship upon her removal to Mexico.

(2) The factors considered in assessing the hardship to the respondent’s children include the poor economic conditions and diminished educational opportunities in Mexico and the fact that the respondent is unmarried and has no family in that country to assist in their adjustment upon her return.


J-E-, 23 I&N Dec. 291 (BIA 2002)

ID 3466 (PDF)

(1) An alien seeking protection under Article 3 of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment must establish that it is more likely than not that he will be tortured in the country of removal.

(2) Torture within the meaning of the Convention Against Torture and 8 C.F.R. § 208.18(a) (2001) is an extreme form of cruel and inhuman treatment and does not extend to lesser forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment.

(3) For an act to constitute “torture” it must satisfy each of the following five elements in the definition of torture set forth at 8 C.F.R. § 208.18(a): (1) the act must cause severe physical or mental pain or suffering; (2) the act must be intentionally inflicted; (3) the act must be inflicted for a proscribed purpose; (4) the act must be inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official who has custody or physical control of the victim; and (5) the act cannot arise from lawful sanctions.

(4) According to 8 C.F.R. § 208.16(c)(3) (2001), in adjudicating a claim for protection under Article 3 of the Convention Against Torture, all evidence relevant to the possibility of future torture must be considered, including, but not limited to: (1) evidence of past torture inflicted upon the applicant; (2) evidence that the applicant could relocate to a part of the country of removal where he or she is not likely to be tortured; (3) evidence of gross, flagrant, or mass violations of human rights within the country of removal, where applicable; and (4) other relevant information regarding conditions in the country of removal.

(5) The indefinite detention of criminal deportees by Haitian authorities does not constitute torture within the meaning of 8 C.F.R. § 208.18(a) where there is no evidence that the authorities intentionally and deliberately detain deportees in order to inflict torture.

(6) Substandard prison conditions in Haiti do not constitute torture within the meaning of 8 C.F.R. § 208.18(a) where there is no evidence that the authorities intentionally create and maintain such conditions in order to inflict torture.

(7) Evidence of the occurrence in Haitian prisons of isolated instances of mistreatment that may rise to the level of torture as defined in the Convention Against Torture is insufficient to establish that it is more likely than not that the respondent will be tortured if returned to Haiti.


Y-C-, 23 I&N Dec. 286 (BIA 2002)

ID 3465 (PDF)

An unaccompanied minor who was in the custody of the Immigration and Naturalization Service pending removal proceedings during the 1-year period following his arrival in the United States established extraordinary circumstances that excused his failure to file an asylum application within 1 year after the date of his arrival.


Y-L-, A-G- & R-S-R-, 23 I&N Dec. 270 (A.G. 2002)

ID 3464 (PDF)

(1) Aggravated felonies involving unlawful trafficking in controlled substances presumptively constitute “particularly serious crimes” within the meaning of section 241(b)(3)(B) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1231(b)(3)(B) (2000), and only under the most extenuating circumstances that are both extraordinary and compelling would departure from this interpretation be warranted or permissible. Matter of S-S-, Interim Decision 3374 (BIA 1999), overruled.

(2) The respondents are not eligible for deferral of removal under Article 3 of the United Nations Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment where each failed to establish that the torture feared would be inflicted by or with the acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. Matter of S-V-, Interim Decision 3430 (BIA 2000), followed.


VELARDE, 23 I&N Dec. 253 (BIA 2002)

ID 3463 (PDF)

A properly filed motion to reopen for adjustment of status based on a marriage entered into after the commencement of proceedings may be granted in the exercise of discretion, notwithstanding the pendency of a visa petition filed on the alien’s behalf, where: (1) the motion to reopen is timely filed; (2) the motion is not numerically barred by the regulations; (3) the motion is not barred by Matter of Shaar, 21 I&N Dec. 541 (BIA 1996), or on any other procedural grounds;(4) clear and convincing evidence is presented indicating a strong likelihood that the marriage is bona fide; and (5) the Immigration and Naturalization Service does not oppose the motion or bases its opposition solely on Matter of Arthur, 20 I&N Dec. 475 (BIA 1992). Matter of H-A-, Interim Decision 3394 (BIA 1999), and Matter of Arthur, supra, modified.


SALAZAR, 23 I&N Dec. 223 (BIA 2002)

ID 3462 (PDF)

(1) An alien whose adjudication of guilt was deferred pursuant to article 42.12, section 5(a) of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure following her plea of guilty to possession of a controlled substance is considered to have been convicted of the offense. Matter of Roldan, Interim Decision 3377 (BIA 1999), reaffirmed.

(2) In Lujan-Armendariz v. INS, 222 F.3d 728 (9th Cir. 2000), the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit overruled in part Matter of Roldan, supra, which will not be applied in cases arising within the jurisdiction of the Ninth Circuit.

(3) In light of the decisions in United States v. Hernandez-Avalos, 251 F.3d 505 (5th Cir. 2000), cert. denied, 122 S. Ct. 305 (2001), and United States v. Hinojosa-Lopez, 130 F.3d 691 (5th Cir. 1997), the decision of the Board of Immigration Appeals in Matter of K-V-D-, Interim Decision 3422 (BIA 1999), will not be applied in cases arising within the jurisdiction of the Fifth Circuit.


VASQUEZ-MUNIZ, 23 I&N Dec. 207 (BIA 2002)

ID 3461 (PDF)

(1) An offense defined by state or foreign law may be classified as an aggravated felony as an offense “described in” a federal statute enumerated in section 101(a)(43) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43) (1994 & Supp. V 1999), even if it lacks the jurisdictional element of the federal statute.

(2) Possession of a firearm by a felon in violation of section 12021(a)(1) of the California Penal Code is an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(E)(ii) of the Act because it is “described in” 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) (1994). Matter of Vasquez-Muniz, Interim Decision 3440 (BIA 2000), overruled.


SOTELO, 23 I&N Dec. 201 (BIA 2001)

ID 3460 (PDF)

An applicant for cancellation of removal under section 240A(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(a) (Supp. V 1999), need not meet a threshold test requiring a showing of “unusual or outstanding equities” before a balancing of the favorable and adverse factors of record will be made to determine whether relief should be granted in the exercise of discretion. Matter of C-V-T-, Interim Decision 3342 (BIA 1998), clarified


MORAGA, 23 I&N Dec. 195 (BIA 2001)

ID 3459 (PDF)

A child born out of wedlock in El Salvador on or after December 16, 1965, is placed in the same legal position as one born in wedlock once the child’s paternity is established and therefore qualifies as a “legitimated” child under section 101(b)(1)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(b)(1)(C) (1994). Matter of Ramirez, 16 I&N Dec. 222 (BIA 1977), modified.


G-Y-R-, 23 I&N Dec. 181 (BIA 2001)

ID 3458 (PDF)

(1) When an alien fails to appear at removal proceedings for which notice of the hearing was served by mail, an in absentia order may only be entered where the alien has received, or can be charged with receiving, a Notice to Appear (Form I-862) informing the alien of the statutory address obligations associated with removal proceedings and of the consequences of failing to provide a current address, pursuant to section 239(a)(1)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229(a)(1)(F) (Supp. V 1999).

(2) Entry of an in absentia order of removal is inappropriate where the record reflects that the alien did not receive, or could not be charged with receiving, the Notice to Appear that was served by certified mail at an address obtained from documents filed with the Immigration and Naturalization Service several years earlier.


CRAMMOND, 23 I&N Dec. 179 (BIA 2001)

ID 3457 (PDF)

(1) The Board of Immigration Appeals lacks jurisdiction over a motion to reopen where the motion is withdrawn, within the meaning of 8 C.F.R. § 3.2(d) (2001), by the departure of the alien from the United States prior to a ruling on the motion.

(2) When the Board is presented with evidence that it has granted a motion to reopen after the alien's departure from the United States, it is appropriate to reconsider and vacate the prior order on jurisdictional grounds. Matter of Crammond, 23 I&N Dec. 9 (BIA 2001), vacated.


MARTINEZ-RECINOS, 23 I&N Dec. 175 (BIA 2001)

ID 3456 (PDF)

A conviction for perjury in violation of section 118(a) of the California Penal Code constitutes a conviction for an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(S) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(S) (Supp. V 1999).


SONG, 23 I&N Dec. 173 (BIA 2001)

ID 3455 (PDF)

Where a criminal court vacated the 1-year prison sentence of an alien convicted of a theft offense and revised the sentence to 360 days of imprisonment, the alien does not have a conviction for an aggravated felony within the meaning of section 101(a)(43)(G) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(G) (Supp. V 1999).


RODRIGUEZ-TEJEDOR, 23 I&N Dec. 153 (BIA 2001)

ID 3454 (PDF)

(1) The automatic citizenship provisions of section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1431 (1994), as amended by the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, Pub. L. No. 106-395, 114 Stat. 1631 (“CCA”), are not retroactive and, consequently, do not apply to an individual who resided in the United States with his United States citizen parents as a lawful permanent resident while under the age of 18 years, but who was over the age of 18 years on the CCA effective date.

(2) The respondent, who resided in the United States with his United States citizen adoptive parents as a lawful permanent resident while under the age of 18 years, but who was over the age of 18 years on the CCA effective date, is ineligible for automatic citizenship under section 320 of the Act.


OLIVARES, 23 I&N Dec. 148 (BIA 2001)

ID 3453 (PDF)

Under United States v. Chapa-Garza, 243 F.3d 921 (5th Cir. 2001), and United States v. Hernandez-Avalos, 251 F.3d 505 (5th Cir. 2001), a Texas conviction for felony DWI is not classifiable as a crime of violence conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 16(b) (1994) for purposes of removability in cases arising in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit; accordingly, in cases arising in the Fifth Circuit, Matter of Puente, Interim Decision 3412 (BIA 1999), will not be applied.


FINNAIR FLIGHT AY103, 23 I&N Dec. 140 (BIA 2001)

ID 3452 (PDF)

A carrier is subject to a fine under section 273(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1323(a) (1994), for bringing an alien passenger to the United States without a valid nonimmigrant visa even though the passenger was subsequently granted a waiver of the nonimmigrant documentary requirements pursuant to 8 C.F.R. § 212.1(g) (1997).


ROJAS, 23 I&N Dec. 117 (BIA 2001)

ID 3451 (PDF)

A criminal alien who is released from criminal custody after the expiration of the Transition Period Custody Rules is subject to mandatory detention pursuant to section 236(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1226(c) (Supp. V 1999), even if the alien is not immediately taken into custody by the Immigration and Naturalization Service when released from incarceration.


ARTIGAS, 23 I&N Dec. 99 (BIA 2001)

ID 3450 (PDF)

An Immigration Judge has jurisdiction to adjudicate an application for adjustment of status under the Cuban Refugee Adjustment Act of November 2, 1966, Pub. L. No. 89-732, 80 Stat. 1161, as amended, when the respondent is charged as an arriving alien without a valid visa or entry document in removal proceedings.


TORRES-VARELA, 23 I&N Dec. 78 (BIA 2001)

ID 3449 (PDF)

Under Arizona law, the offense of aggravated driving under the influence (“DUI”) with two or more prior DUI convictions is not a crime involving moral turpitude. Matter of Lopez-Meza, Interim Decision 3423 (BIA 1999), distinguished.


PATINO, 23 I&N Dec. 74 (BIA 2001)

ID 3448 (PDF)

A party wishing to challenge the validity of an appeal waiver may file either a motion to reconsider with the Immigration Judge or an appeal directly with the Board of Immigration Appeals.


MONREAL, 23 I&N Dec. 56 (BIA 2001)

ID 3447 (PDF)

(1) To establish "exceptional and extremely unusual hardship," an applicant for cancellation of removal under section 240A(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(b) (Supp. V 1999), must demonstrate that his or her spouse, parent, or child would suffer hardship that is substantially beyond that which would ordinarily be expected to result from the alien's deportation, but need not show that such hardship would be "unconscionable."

(2) Although many of the factors that were considered in assessing "extreme hardship" for suspension of deportation should also be considered in evaluating "exceptional and extremely unusual hardship," an applicant for cancellation of removal must demonstrate hardship beyond that which has historically been required in suspension of deportation cases involving the "extreme hardship" standard.

(3) In establishing eligibility for cancellation of removal, only hardship to qualifying relatives, not to the applicant himself or herself, may be considered, and hardship factors relating to the applicant may be considered only insofar as they might affect the hardship to a qualifying relative.


KAO AND LIN, 23 I&N Dec. 45 (BIA 2001)

ID 3446 (PDF)

(1) In evaluating an application for suspension of deportation, the hardship to the applicant's United States citizen child must be given careful consideration, as the applicant's eligibility for relief may be established by demonstrating that his or her deportation would result in extreme hardship to the child.

(2) The standard for determining "extreme hardship" in applications for suspension of deportation is also applied in adjudicating petitions for immigrant status under section 204(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1154(a)(1) (1994 & Supp. V 1999), as amended, and waivers of inadmissibility under section 212(i) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(i) (Supp. V 1999).

(3) The respondents met the extreme hardship requirement for suspension of deportation where their oldest daughter, who is a 15-year-old United States citizen, has spent her entire life in the United States, has been completely integrated into the American lifestyle, and is not sufficiently fluent in the Chinese language to make an adequate transition to daily life in her parents' native country of Taiwan. Matter of Pilch, 21 I&N Dec. 627 (BIA 1996), distinguished.


HERRERA, 23 I&N Dec. 43 (BIA 2001)

ID 3445 (PDF)

Respondent’s motion for a stay of deportation, pending consideration of his simultaneously filed motion to reopen and reconsider, is granted in light of the decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in United States v. Chapa-Garza, 2001 WL 209468(5th Cir. 2001), which held that a conviction for driving while intoxicated in violation of section 49.09 of the Texas Penal Code is not a conviction for a crime of violence under section 101(a)(43)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(F) (Supp. V 1999).


NORTHWEST AIRLINES FLIGHT NW1821, 23 I&N Dec. 38 (BIA 2001)

ID 3444 (PDF)

A carrier is subject to fine under section 231(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1221(b) (Supp. IV 1998), when it fails to file a properly completed Form I-94T (Arrival-Departure Record (Transit Without Visa)) for an alien who is a transit without visa passenger not departing directly on the same flight.


CRAMMOND, 23 I&N Dec. 9 (BIA 2001), vacated, 23 I&N Dec. 179

ID 3443 (PDF)

(1) A conviction for "murder, rape, or sexual abuse of a minor" must be for a felony offense in order for the crime to be considered an aggravated felony under section 101(a)(43)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(A) (Supp. V 1999).

(2) In determining whether a state conviction is for a felony offense for immigration purposes, the Board of Immigration Appeals applies the federal definition of a felony set forth at 18 U.S.C. § 3559(a)(5) (1994).


GOOLCHARAN, 23 I&N Dec. 5 (BIA 2001)

ID 3442 (PDF)

The regulatory deadline for filing a motion to reopen or motion to reconsider before the Immigration Judge is determined by the date on which the Immigration Judge entered a final administrative order, and the regulatory deadline is not affected by subsequent actions taken by the Immigration and Naturalization Service in the course of executing the Immigration Judge's order.


OPARAH, 23 I&N Dec. 1 (BIA 2000)

ID 3441 (PDF)

A motion to remand submitted during the pendency of an appeal from an Immigration Judge's denial of an untimely motion to reopen and filed after the entry of a final administrative decision does not cure the untimeliness of the initial motion to reopen, nor is it excepted from the numerical restriction that permits the filing of only one motion to reopen.