Appeals & Motions

If your case was denied by an immigration judge, or if you received an order of removal — even years ago — you may still have legal options. Appeals and motions can give you another chance to present your case.

I know how discouraging a denial can feel. But the process isn't always over when a judge or officer says no. Let me review what happened and help you understand whether there's a path forward.

Appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)

If an immigration judge denied your case, you generally have 30 days to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals. The BIA reviews whether the judge made legal errors or misapplied the law to your case.

An appeal isn't a new trial — you won't testify again or present new evidence. Instead, I'll prepare written legal arguments addressing any errors the judge may have made in reaching their decision.

Motions to Reopen

A motion to reopen asks the court to take another look at your case based on new facts or evidence that wasn't available before. Common reasons include:

Changed country conditions — If conditions in your home country have worsened since your case was decided, you may be able to reopen to apply for asylum or other protection.
New evidence — If you now have documents, witness statements, or other evidence that could change the outcome of your case.
In absentia orders — If you were ordered deported because you missed a hearing, you may be able to reopen if you didn't receive proper notice or had exceptional circumstances.

Motions to Reconsider

A motion to reconsider asks the court or the BIA to take another look at its decision based on a legal error — essentially arguing that the law was misapplied to the facts that were already in the record.

These motions have strict deadlines (usually 30 days) and require showing a specific legal mistake. They're different from motions to reopen because they don't involve new evidence — just a fresh look at what was already there.

Time matters. Appeals and most motions have strict deadlines. If you've received a denial or removal order, contact an attorney as soon as possible to understand your options.

How I Can Help

Appeals and motions require careful legal analysis and persuasive writing. I'll review your case file, identify the strongest arguments, and prepare the briefs and supporting documents needed to give you the best chance.

If we succeed, you may get a second opportunity to present your case before the immigration court.

What Working Together Looks Like

We start with a review — I'll examine your case history, the judge's decision, and any new circumstances.
I assess your options — Based on what happened and the current law, I'll determine whether an appeal or motion has a realistic chance of success.
We build the case — If we move forward, I'll gather the necessary evidence and prepare thorough legal briefs.
I advocate for you — Whether it's written arguments to the BIA or a hearing before a judge, I'll fight for the outcome you deserve.

Is This You?

You might need help with an appeal or motion if:

An immigration judge denied your case
You missed a hearing and received an in absentia removal order
You have an old deportation order but never left
Conditions in your home country have changed since your case was decided
You have new evidence that wasn't available before