If you are based in the United States and you think U.S. immigration authorities have made an error in deciding your immigration application or petition, but the time for a direct appeal has passed or you waived appeal, you might benefit from filing either:
- a motion to reopen your case or
- a motion to reconsider your case.
We'll explain more about what these involve here. Regardless of which route you go, expect to pay substantial filing fees, as covered on the immigration court (Executive Office for Immigration Review, or EOIR) website.
What Can Motions to Reopen or Reconsider Achieve in the Immigration Context?
These two types of motions usually involve going back to the same office or official who made the initial decision, rather than taking the case to a higher authority. They involve pointing out something that the decision-maker either didn't know about at the time, or failed to consider; or a fact or law that has changed altogether. Although you don't get the benefit of a different and higher-up decision maker, you do get a chance to have someone look at your case again.
Such motions are primarily used in immigration court proceedings (when fighting deportation) though they can also be useful at the administrative level in dealing with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or other agencies performing immigration-related functions.
The most important thing to understand is that you will need to provide specific reasons for why officials should reopen or reconsider your case; not just ask them to look at the same materials all over again. And you will need to provide evidence to support your request.
Situations Where It's Appropriate to File a Motion to Reopen an Immigration Matter
A motion to reopen is appropriate only when the case deserves a fresh look because something has changed or new information has come to light. If you file a motion to reopen your case, that motion should:
- assert new material facts that were not known or available before, and
- present affidavits and/or other documentary evidence to support those facts.
Situations Where It's Appropriate to File a Motion to Reconsider an Immigration Matter
A motion to reconsider is appropriate only when the original decision should be reexamined in light of additional legal arguments, a change of law, or an argument or aspect of the case that was overlooked. If you file a motion to reconsider your case, that motion must:
- state a reason to reconsider the original decision
- specify any errors of fact or law in the prior decisions, and
- be accompanied by appropriate evidence or citations to legal authority.
Time Limits for Motions Made in Immigration Court
Regardless of which type of motion you file, it must be made within 90 days of the entry of a final administrative order of removal or deportation. The exception is if it involves a request for asylum, withholding of removal, and/or Convention Against Torture (CAT) relief. These have no time limit if the motion is based on a material change in country conditions.
Status of Immigration Case While Motion Awaits a Decision
Filing a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider does not, in most situations, delay any action to be taken as a result of the original decision. For example, if a removal date has been set upon which you are to be deported from the United States, then that date is still in effect even if a motion has been filed and you are waiting on a decision.
An exception is, however, made for motions to reopen an order that the judge entered in absentia (meaning you didn't show up for the hearing at all). This type of filing "stays" (puts a hold on) the removal until the Immigration Judge can decide on the motion.
If your motion to reopen or reconsider is granted, your case hasn't been won yet. It simply means that the judge or other decision-maker will take another look at your case, and possibly call you in for a hearing at which to further provide testimony and evidence.
If the motion is denied, your most likely route would be to appeal the underlying case to a higher authority.
Questions for Your Attorney
If your immigration application or petition has been denied, it makes sense to hire an attorney who's experienced in evaluating your best strategy going forward. Among the questions to consider asking your prospective lawyer:
- Have you previously handled immigration appeals and motions?
- Do I have grounds for an appeal or for a motion to reopen or a motion to reconsider?
- What new evidence will I need to gather?
- What is the likelihood of success in my case?
- How much do you charge for your services? (See Hiring an Immigration Attorney.)