Jurisdiction to review the BIA’s decision on a Motion to Reopen

The court reaffirmed Fernandez v. Gonzalez, finding jurisdiction to review the BIA’s decision on a motion to reopen that presents evidence so distinct from that considered previously as to make the motion a request for new relief. (Garcia v. Holder, 9/1/10)

Distribution of “Chemicals” is an aggravated felony drug trafficking crime

The court held that a conviction for distributing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine with reasonable cause to believe they would be used to manufacture methamphetamine under 21 USC §841(c)(2) is an aggravated felony drug trafficking crime. (Daas v. Holder, 8/24/10)

Under Nevada laws assault with a deadly weapon is a crime of violence

The court held that a conviction for assault with a deadly weapon under Nevada Revised Statutes §200.471 is categorically an aggravated felony crime of violence. (Camacho-Cruz v. Holder, 9/2/10)

Reopening an in absentia order that demonstrate exceptional circumstances

The court found that the BIA erred in holding that aliens seeking discretionary relief can effectively never demonstrate exceptional circumstances for reopening an in absentia order, and adopted a totality of the circumstances approach. (Vukmirovic v. Holder, 9/8/10)

Mexican National sentenced to 64 months in federal prison

ICE press release announcing that Mario Ruiz-Toledo was sentenced to 64 months in federal prison for unlawfully returning to the U.S. after being deported, and eight years in state prison for burglary. The release includes information on the removal process for Ruiz-Toledo.

Aggravated Felony of “sexual abuse of a minor”

The court held that a conviction under N.J. State Ann. §2C:14-3(a) constituted the aggravated felony of “sexual abuse of a minor” under INA §101(a)(43) and that removal proceedings are not time-barred. (Restrepo v. Atty’ General of the U.S., 8/16/10)

USCIS executive stakeholders meeting on Form I-9

USCIS executive summary issued from the 11/02/10 Verification Division stakeholders meeting on Form I-9. USCIS indicated that it will be drafting a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the Form I-9 and gave stakeholders an opportunity to comment on the Form I-9 process.

Brazilian National Sentenced in $55 million Visa Fraud Conspiracy

ICE press release announcing that Eduardo Dozzi Barbugli was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison and a money judgment of $55 million for his involvement in a visa fraud conspiracy. Barbugli will be subject to removal after he serves his sentence.

Congressional Research Service (CRS) report on Human Trafficking

A 10/29/10 Congressional Research Service (CRS) report on human trafficking. Topics include the definition of human trafficking, anti-trafficking efforts, relief for victims, and an overview of legislation and policy issues related to human trafficking.

Res Judicata and Waiver Application

The court held that res judicata did not bar the government from lodging new removability charges based on convictions it had not previously raised and that petitioner’s 212(c) waiver did not apply to the instant removal order. (Duhaney v. U.S. Att’y Gen., 8/24/10)

Concern on Counsel’s part to meet multiple court deadlines

The court denied petition for review in asylum case and directed a copy of the opinion to the Wisconsin Office of Lawyer Regulation, finding a lack of evidence of diligent efforts on counsel’s part to meet multiple court deadlines. (Umezurike v. Holder, 7/9/10)

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