What Are My Appeal Rights in Immigration Court?

If you disagree with the decision of an immigration court judge about your case or about granting you bond, you have the right to appeal that decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). The BIA reviews cases from immigration courts around the country. At the end of your immigration court hearing, you must tell the judge that you want to appeal his or her decision. You then will have 30 days to file a Notice of Appeal with the BIA in order to start the appeals process. After the BIA reviews your case, it has the option of affirming, reversing, or remanding the immigration court’s decision. If you disagree with the BIA’s decision, then you must file a petition for review with the relevant U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Keep in mind, however, that there are some situations in which Circuit Courts do not have jurisdiction over a BIA decision, such as in the case of an alien who is removable for committing certain criminal offenses. Although you can appeal a decision of a Circuit Court of Appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, it is a rare situation in which the high court agrees to hear an appeal. As a result, in the vast majority of situations, your appeal to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is your last chance to appeal the decision of the immigration judge. Given the current stance of the federal government on the deportation of immigrants, there may come a time in the near future when you need help with various legal matters, including representation in deportation proceedings. The deportation defense lawyers of Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., pride themselves on aggressively representing the interests of those immigrants who are facing potential deportation by American immigration authorities. Our goal is to gather evidence in your favor, build on a strong case on your behalf, and develop a strategy that is best designed to help you remain in the United States and move on with your life. The earlier we can get started with your case, the more likely you are to prevail in your deportation proceedings. Don’t hesitate to contact us today and learn what we can do to assist you.