An unfavorable decision? There may still be options.
If an immigration judge denied your case, or there is new evidence, there are appeals and motions with very strict deadlines. Acting fast is essential. Representation throughout the United States.
Evaluate your case
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What are appeals and motions?
When you get an unfavorable decision, it isn't always the end. You can appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), ask to reopen your case for new evidence (motion to reopen) or to correct a legal error (motion to reconsider), and in certain cases go to a federal court of appeals. Each path has its own deadline, almost always very short.
The possible paths
Which applies depends on your case and the time elapsed:
Appeal to the BIA
The judge's decision is appealed to the Board. The notice of appeal must be received within 30 days. The deadline is strict.
Motion to reopen
To present important new evidence not previously available. Generally within 90 days, with some exceptions.
Motion to reconsider
To point out a legal or factual error in the decision. Generally within 30 days.
Federal court review
After a final BIA decision, review can be requested from a federal court of appeals within 30 days.
How we proceed
Urgent deadline review
The first thing is to identify which deadline is running and how much time is left. In appeals, every day counts.
Analyze the decision
We study the decision to identify legal or factual errors, or relevant new evidence.
Filing and briefing
We file the notice or motion and prepare the legal arguments within the deadline.
Follow-up and next steps
If needed, we evaluate a request to stay removal and the steps before the federal court.
Deadlines and a key warning
Deadlines are short and strict: 30 days to appeal to the BIA or reconsider, and generally 90 days to reopen. Missing a deadline can close the door permanently.
Important warning: not every filing pauses deportation equally. A timely direct appeal to the BIA generally suspends execution of removal while the BIA decides. By contrast, as a general rule a motion to reopen, a motion to reconsider, or a federal-court petition for review does NOT automatically stay removal and often a separate stay must be requested. Limited exceptions exist, including certain motions on an in-absentia order and some VAWA protections. We do not guarantee results; appeals are difficult and depend on the facts and the law.
Why Zavala Law Group
Immigration is a federal matter, so we represent cases throughout the United States. We are a 100% remote, bilingual firm: you can work with us from wherever you are, in Spanish or English. Attorney Salomón Zavala directs your case together with our immigration team, and we offer payment plans so cost is not the obstacle.
Frequently asked questions
Your first step is a confidential evaluation
Tell us your situation and our immigration team reviews it with you. The sooner, the more options.
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