For the last four years, we've been using the Freedom of Information Act to request records describing the policies and procedures that govern the processing of appeals and motions to reopen at the Board of Immigration Appeals and the Immigration...
BIA Appeal Processing
Internal BIA Documents on Processing of Appeals and Motions
I'm writing to share more FOIA records we've received from the BIA. For the last year we've been working on obtaining records through FOIA to better understand how the Board of Immigration Appeals works from top to bottom. The thought is that with more information...
BIA Updates Address for Appeals
It is amazing that something as simple as the BIA's zip code could cause so much hassle and confusion. Last winter when the BIA changed its zip code, it caused many to fret about whether their packages would be delivered on time. This was because the new zip code...
Government Shutdown Day 10 – BIA Update
This is your daily update on the effect the government shutdown is having on BIA operations. The BIA is apparently still operating, although in a very limited fashion. I spoke with someone yesterday on the stay of removal line, who is still working. But at least...
Immigration Court Closure List During Government Shutdown
Given that the government has now shut down, at least for the present time, it is not immediately clear what will happen to the cases pending immigration court. Most of the immigration courts have closed, except for those handling emergency or detained cases....
Update: Same-Day Filing Still Available at BIA Despite Shutdown
[Update Oct 2, 2013] we have heard mixed reports today. One person tried to hand-file and was turned away. Another says they were able to hand-file today without a problem. Will continue to post updates as we hear them. _____________
An Update From the BIA on the Government Shutdown
It hasn't been clear how fully staffed the Board's headquarters in Falls Church were going to be if the government shut down today. An e-mail this morning from EOIR provides a bit more detail: The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) is processing emergency stay...
Government Shutdown Day 1 – Immigration Processing Has Stopped
A few updates this morning after the complete shutdown of the federal government over a disagreement about healthcare policy. 1. The E-verify program that employers use to verify that the workers they're hiring have permission to work is not working this...
Government Shutdown = Perfect Storm for BIA
Keep in mind that the BIA's zip code is also changing tomorrow (new zip is 20530-0001), which will be an especially terrible headache for those hoping to get something filed tomorrow. If you send your filings to the wrong zip code tomorrow, it will be delayed, because...
BIA Update Regarding Government Shutdown
I just talked with the BIA clerk's office about how it will operate tomorrow if the government shuts down. They said that in-person filing will not be possible, so do not take your notices of appeal or briefs to their office to file them in-person. The clerk's...