Source: https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?mc=true&node=pt28.2.68&rgn=div5
Timestamp: 2020-08-06 14:10:15
Document Index: 705173285

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68', '§68']

Title 28 → Chapter I → Part 68
§68.1 Scope of rules.
§68.3 Service of complaint, notice of hearing, written orders, and decisions.
§68.4 Complaints regarding unfair immigration-related employment practices.
§68.5 Notice of date, time, and place of hearing.
§68.6 Service and filing of documents.
§68.7 Form of pleadings.
§68.8 Time computations.
§68.9 Responsive pleadings—answer.
§68.10 Motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
§68.11 Motions and requests.
§68.12 Prehearing statements.
§68.13 Conferences.
§68.14 Consent findings or dismissal.
§68.15 Intervenor in unfair immigration-related employment cases.
§68.16 Consolidation of hearings.
§68.17 Amicus curiae.
§68.18 Discovery—general provisions.
§68.19 Written interrogatories to parties.
§68.21 Admissions.
§68.22 Depositions.
§68.23 Motion to compel response to discovery; sanctions.
§68.24 Use of depositions at hearings.
§68.25 Subpoenas.
§68.26 Designation of Administrative Law Judge.
§68.27 Continuances.
§68.28 Authority of Administrative Law Judge.
§68.29 Unavailability of Administrative Law Judge.
§68.30 Disqualification.
§68.31 Separation of functions.
§68.32 Expedition.
§68.33 Participation of parties and representation.
§68.34 Legal assistance.
§68.35 Standards of conduct.
§68.36 Ex parte communications.
§68.37 Waiver of right to appear and failure to participate or to appear.
§68.38 Motion for summary decision.
§68.39 Formal hearings.
§68.40 Evidence.
§68.41 Official notice.
§68.42 In camera and protective orders.
§68.43 Exhibits.
§68.44 Records in other proceedings.
§68.45 Designation of parts of documents.
§68.46 Authenticity.
§68.47 Stipulations.
§68.48 Record of hearings.
§68.49 Closing the record.
§68.50 Receipt of documents after hearing.
§68.51 Restricted access.
§68.52 Final order of the Administrative Law Judge.
§68.53 Review of an interlocutory order of an Administrative Law Judge in cases arising under section 274A or 274C.
§68.54 Administrative review of a final order of an Administrative Law Judge in cases arising under section 274A or 274C.
§68.55 Referral of cases arising under sections 274A or 274C to the Attorney General for review.
§68.56 Judicial review of a final agency order in cases arising under section 274A or 274C.
§68.57 Judicial review of the final agency order of an Administrative Law Judge in cases arising under section 274B.
§68.58 Filing of the official record.
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 554; 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1324a, 1324b, and 1324c; Pub. L. 101-410, 104 Stat. 890, as amended by Pub. L. 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321.
The rules of practice in this part are applicable to adjudicatory proceedings before Administrative Law Judges of the Executive Office for Immigration Review, United States Department of Justice, with regard to unlawful employment cases under section 274A of the INA, unfair immigration-related employment practice cases under section 274B of the INA, and document fraud cases under section 274C of the INA. Such proceedings shall be conducted expeditiously, and the parties shall make every effort at each stage of a proceeding to avoid delay. To the extent that these rules may be inconsistent with a rule of special application as provided by statute, executive order, or regulation, the latter is controlling. The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure may be used as a general guideline in any situation not provided for or controlled by these rules, by the Administrative Procedure Act, or by any other applicable statute, executive order, or regulation.
[Order No. 2203-99, 64 FR 7073, Feb. 12, 1999]
Adjudicatory proceeding means an administrative judicial-type proceeding, before the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, commencing with the filing of a complaint and leading to the formulation of a final agency order;
Administrative Law Judge means an Administrative Law Judge appointed pursuant to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 3105;
Administrative Procedure Act means those provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act, as codified, which are contained in 5 U.S.C. 551 through 559;
Certification means a formal assertion in writing of the specified fact(s), signed by the person(s) making the certification and thereby attesting to the truth of the content of the writing, except as follows:
(1) Certified court reporter means a person who has been deemed by an appropriate body to be qualified to transcribe or record testimony during formal legal proceedings,
(2) Certified mail means a form of mail similar to registered mail by which sender may require return receipt from addressee, and
(3) Certified copy means a copy of a document or record, signed by the officer to whose custody the original is entrusted, thereby attesting that the copy is a true copy;
Certify means the act of executing a certification;
Chief Administrative Hearing Officer or an official who has been designated to act as the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, is the official who, under the Director, Executive Office for Immigration Review, generally administers the Administrative Law Judge program, exercises administrative supervision over Administrative Law Judges and others assigned to the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, and who, in accordance with sections 274A(e)(7) and 274C(d)(4) of the INA, exercises discretionary authority to review the decisions and orders of Administrative Law Judges adjudicated under sections 274A and 274C of the INA;
Complainant means the Immigration and Naturalization Service in cases arising under sections 274A and 274C of the INA. In cases arising under section 274B of the INA, “complainant” means the Special Counsel (as defined in this section), and also includes the person or entity who has filed a charge with the Special Counsel, or, in private actions, an individual or private organization;
Complaint means the formal document initiating an adjudicatory proceeding;
Consent order means any written document containing a specified remedy or other relief agreed to by all parties and entered as an order by the Administrative Law Judge;
Debt Collection Improvement Act means the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-134, Title III, 110 Stat. 1321 (1996);
Decision means any findings of fact or conclusions of law by an Administrative Law Judge or the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer;
Document fraud cases means cases involving allegations under section 274C of the INA.
Entry means the date the Administrative Law Judge, Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, or the Attorney General signs the order; Entry as used in section 274B(i)(1) of the INA means the date the Administrative Law Judge signs the order;
Final agency order is an Administrative Law Judge's final order, in cases arising under sections 274A and 274C of the INA, that has not been modified, vacated, or remanded by the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer pursuant to §68.54, referred to the Attorney General for review pursuant to §68.55(a), or accepted by the Attorney General for review pursuant to §68.55(b)(3). Alternatively, if the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer modifies or vacates the final order pursuant to §68.54, the modification or vacation becomes the final agency order if it has not been referred to the Attorney General for review pursuant to §68.55(a) or accepted by the Attorney General for review pursuant to §68.55(b)(3). If the Attorney General enters an order that modifies or vacates either the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer's or the Administrative Law Judge's order, the Attorney General's order is the final agency order. In cases arising under section 274B of the INA, an Administrative Law Judge's final order is also the final agency order;
Final order is an order by an Administrative Law Judge that disposes of a particular proceeding or a distinct portion of a proceeding, thereby concluding the jurisdiction of the Administrative Law Judge over that proceeding or portion thereof;
Hearing means that part of a proceeding that involves the submission of evidence, either by oral presentation or written submission;
Interlocutory order means an order that decides some point or matter, but is not a final order or a final decision of the whole controversy; it decides some intervening matter pertaining to the cause of action and requires further steps to be taken in order for the Administrative Law Judge to adjudicate the cause on the full merits;
INA means the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, ch. 477, Pub. L. 82-414, 66 Stat. 163, as amended;
Issued as used in section 274A(e)(8) and section 274C(d)(5) of the INA means the date on which an Administrative Law Judge's final order, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer's order, or an adoption, modification, or vacation by the Attorney General becomes a final agency order;
Motion means an oral or written request, made by a person or a party, for some action by an Administrative Law Judge;
Order means a determination or mandate by an Administrative Law Judge, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, or the Attorney General that resolves some point or directs some action in the proceeding;
Ordinary mail refers to the mail service provided by the United States Postal Service using only standard postage fees, exclusive of special systems, electronic transfers, and other means that have the effect of providing expedited service;
Party includes all persons or entities named or admitted as a complainant, respondent, or intervenor in a proceeding; or any person filing a charge with the Special Counsel under section 274B of the INA, resulting in the filing of a complaint, concerning an unfair immigration-related employment practice;
Pleading means the complaint, motions, the answer thereto, any supplement or amendment thereto, and reply that may be permitted to any answer, supplement, or amendment submitted to the Administrative Law Judge or, when no judge is assigned, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer;
Prohibition of indemnity bond cases means cases involving allegations under section 274A(g) of the INA;
Respondent means a party to an adjudicatory proceeding, other than a complainant, against whom findings may be made or who may be required to provide relief or take remedial action;
Special Counsel means the Special Counsel for Unfair Immigration-Related Employment Practices appointed by the President under section 274B of the INA, or his or her designee or in the case of a vacancy in the Office of Special Counsel, the officer or employee designated by the President who shall act as Special Counsel during such vacancy;
Unfair immigration-related employment practice cases means cases involving allegations under section 274B of the INA;
Unlawful employment cases means cases involving allegations under section 274A of the INA, other than prohibition of indemnity bond cases.
[Order No. 2203-99, 64 FR 7073, Feb. 12, 1999, as amended by Order No. 2255-99, 64 FR 49660, Sept. 14, 1999]
(a) Service of complaint, notice of hearing, written orders, and decisions shall be made by the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer or the Administrative Law Judge to whom the case is assigned either:
(1) By delivering a copy to the individual party, partner of a party, officer of a corporate party, registered agent for service of process of a corporate party, or attorney or representative of record of a party;
(2) By leaving a copy at the principal office, place of business, or residence of a party; or
(3) By mailing to the last known address of such individual, partner, officer, or attorney or representative of record.
(b) Service of complaint and notice of hearing is complete upon receipt by addressee.
(c) In circumstances where the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer or the Administrative Law Judge encounters difficulty with perfecting service, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer or the Administrative Law Judge may direct that a party execute service of process.
(a) Generally. An individual must file a charge with the Special Counsel within one hundred and eighty (180) days of the date of the alleged unfair immigration-related employment practice.
(b) The Special Counsel shall, within one hundred and twenty (120) days of the date of receipt of the charge:
(1) Determine whether there is a reasonable cause to believe the charge is true and whether to bring a complaint respecting the charge with the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer within the 120-day period; or,
(2) Notify the party within the 120-day period that the Special Counsel will not file a complaint with the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer within the 120-day period.
(c) The charging individual may file a complaint directly with the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer within ninety (90) days after the date of receipt of notice that the Special Counsel will not be filing a complaint within the 120-day period. However, the Special Counsel's failure to file a complaint within the 120-day period will not affect the right of the Special Counsel to investigate the charge or bring a complaint within the 90-day period.
[Order No. 1534-91, 56 FR 50053, Oct. 3, 1991]
(a) Generally. The Administrative Law Judge to whom the case is assigned shall notify the parties of a date, time, and place set for hearing thereon or for a prehearing conference, or both within thirty (30) days of receipt of respondent's answer to the complaint.
(b) Place of hearing. In section 274B cases, pursuant to section 554 of title 5, United States Code, due regard shall be given to the convenience of the parties and the witnesses in selecting a place for a hearing. Sections 274A(e)(3)(B) and 274C(d)(2)(B) of the INA require that hearings be held at the nearest practicable place to the place where the person or entity resides or to the place where the alleged violation occurred.
[54 FR 48596, Nov. 24, 1989. Redesignated and amended by Order No. 1534-91, 56 FR 50053, 50054, Oct. 3, 1991; Order No. 1635-92, 57 FR 57672, Dec. 7, 1992]
(a) Generally. An original and four copies of the complaint shall be filed with the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer. An original and two copies of all other pleadings, including any attachments, shall be filed with the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer by the parties presenting the pleadings until an Administrative Law Judge is assigned to a case. Thereafter, all pleadings shall be delivered or mailed for filing to the Administrative Law Judge assigned to the case, and shall be accompanied by a certification indicating service to all parties of record. When a party is represented by an attorney, service shall be made upon the attorney. Except as required by §68.54(c) and paragraph (c) of this section, service of any document upon any party may be made by personal delivery or by mailing a copy to the last known address. The person serving the document shall certify to the manner and date of service.
(b) Discovery. The parties shall not file requests for discovery, answers, or responses thereto with the Administrative Law Judge. The Administrative Law Judge may, however, upon motion of a party or on his or her own initiative, order that such requests for discovery, answers, or responses thereto be filed.
(c) Where a time limit is imposed by statute, regulation, or order. Pleadings and briefs may be filed by facsimile with either an Administrative Law Judge or, in the case of a complaint, with the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, only to toll the running of a time limit. All original signed pleadings and other documents must be forwarded concurrently with the transmission of the facsimile. Any party filing documents by facsimile must include in the certification of service a certification that service on the opposing party has also been made by facsimile or by same-day hand delivery, or, if service by facsimile or same-day hand delivery cannot be made, a certification that the document has been served instead by overnight delivery service. In the case of requests for administrative review, briefs or other filings relating to review by the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, filing, or service shall be made using the procedure set forth in this paragraph pursuant to §68.54(c).
(a) Every pleading shall contain a caption setting forth the statutory provision under which the proceeding is instituted, the title of the proceeding, the docket number assigned by the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, the names of all parties (or, after the complaint, at least the first party named as a complainant or respondent), and a designation of the type of pleading (e.g., complaint, motion to dismiss). The pleading shall be signed, dated, and shall contain the address and telephone number of the party or person representing the party. The pleading shall be on standard size (81⁄2 × 11) paper and should also be typewritten when possible.
(b) A complaint filed pursuant to section 274A, 274B, or 274C of the INA shall contain the following:
(1) A clear and concise statement of facts, upon which an assertion of jurisdiction is predicated;
(2) The names and addresses of the respondents, agents, and/or their representatives who have been alleged to have committed the violation;
(3) The alleged violations of law, with a clear and concise statement of facts for each violation alleged to have occurred; and,
(4) A short statement containing the remedies and/or sanctions sought to be imposed against the respondent.
(5) The complaint must be accompanied by a statement identifying the party or parties to be served by the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer with notice of the complaint pursuant to §68.3.
(c) Complaints filed pursuant to sections 274A and 274C of the INA shall be signed by an attorney and shall be accompanied by a copy of the Notice of Intent to Fine and Request for Hearing. Complaints filed pursuant to section 274B of the INA shall be accompanied by a copy of the charge, previously filed with the Special Counsel pursuant to section 274B(b)(1), and a copy of the Special Counsel's letter of determination regarding the charges.
(d) Illegible documents, whether handwritten, typewritten, photocopied, or otherwise, will not be accepted. Papers may be reproduced by any duplicating process, provided that all copies are clear and legible.
(e) All documents presented by a party in a proceeding must be in the English language or, if in a foreign language, accompanied by a certified translation.
(a) Generally. In computing any period of time under these rules or in an order issued hereunder, the time begins with the day following the act, event, or default, and includes the last day of the period unless it is Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday observed by the Federal Government in which case the time period includes the next business day. When the period of time prescribed is seven (7) days or less, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays shall be excluded in the computation.
(b) Computation of time for filing by mail. Pleadings are not deemed filed until received by the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer or Administrative Law Judge assigned to the case.
(c) Computation of time for service by mail.
(1) Service of all pleadings other than complaints is deemed effective at the time of mailing; and
(2) Whenever a party has the right or is required to take some action within a prescribed period after the service upon such party of a pleading, notice, or other document (other than a complaint or a subpoena) and the pleading, notice, or document is served by ordinary mail, five (5) days shall be added to the prescribed period unless the compliance date is otherwise specified by the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer or the Administrative Law Judge.
(a) Time for answer. Within thirty (30) days after the service of a complaint, each respondent shall file an answer.
(b) Default. Failure of the respondent to file an answer within the time provided may be deemed to constitute a waiver of his or her right to appear and contest the allegations of the complaint. The Administrative Law Judge may enter a judgment by default.
(c) Answer. Any respondent contesting any material fact alleged in a complaint, or contending that the amount of a proposed penalty or award is excessive or inappropriate, or contending that he or she is entitled to judgment as a matter of law, shall file an answer in writing. The answer shall include:
(1) A statement that the respondent admits, denies, or does not have and is unable to obtain sufficient information to admit or deny each allegation; a statement of lack of information shall have the effect of a denial (any allegation not expressly denied shall be deemed to be admitted); and
(2) A statement of the facts supporting each affirmative defense.
(d) Reply. Complainants may file a reply responding to each affirmative defense asserted.
(e) Amendments and supplemental pleadings. If a determination of a controversy on the merits will be facilitated thereby, the Administrative Law Judge may, upon such conditions as are necessary to avoid prejudicing the public interest and the rights of the parties, allow appropriate amendments to complaints and other pleadings at any time prior to the issuance of the Administrative Law Judge's final order based on the complaint. When issues not raised by the pleadings are reasonably within the scope of the original complaint and are tried by express or implied consent of the parties, they shall be treated in all respects as if they had been raised in the pleadings, and such amendments may be made as necessary to make the pleading conform to the evidence. The Administrative Law Judge may, upon reasonable notice and such terms as are just, permit supplemental pleadings setting forth transactions, occurrences, or events that have occurred or new law promulgated since the date of the pleadings and which are relevant to any of the issues involved.
(a) Generally. The Chief Administrative Hearing Officer is authorized to act on non-adjudicatory matters relating to a proceeding prior to the appointment of an Administrative Law Judge. After the complaint is referred to an Administrative Law Judge, any application for an order or any other request shall be made by motion which shall be made in writing unless the Administrative Law Judge in the course of an oral hearing consents to accept such motion orally. The motion or request shall state with particularity the grounds therefor, and shall set forth the relief or order sought. Motions or requests made during the course of any oral hearing or appearance before an Administrative Law Judge shall be stated orally and made part of the transcript. Whether a motion is made orally or in writing, all parties shall be given reasonable opportunity to respond or to object to the motion or request.
(b) Responses to motions. Within ten (10) days after a written motion is served, or within such other period as the Administrative Law Judge may fix, any party to the proceeding may file a response in support of, or in opposition to, the motion, accompanied by such affidavits or other evidence upon which he/she desires to rely. Unless the Administrative Law Judge provides otherwise, no reply to a response, counter-response to a reply, or any further responsive document shall be filed.
(c) Oral arguments or briefs. No oral argument will be heard on motions unless the Administrative Law Judge otherwise directs. Written memoranda or briefs may be filed with motions or answers to motions, stating the points and authorities relied upon in support of the position taken.
(a) At any time prior to the commencement of the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge may order any party to file a prehearing statement of position.
(b) A prehearing statement shall state the name of the party or parties on whose behalf it is presented and shall briefly set forth the following matters, unless otherwise ordered by the Administrative Law Judge:
(1) Issues involved in the proceedings;
(2) Facts stipulated to together with a statement that the party or parties have communicated or conferred in a good faith effort to reach stipulation to the fullest extent possible;
(3) Facts in dispute;
(4) Witnesses, except to the extent that disclosure would be privileged, and exhibits by which disputed facts will be litigated;
(5) A brief statement of applicable law;
(6) The conclusions to be drawn;
(7) The estimated time required for presentation of the party's or parties' case; and
(8) Any appropriate comments, suggestions, or information which might assist the parties or the Administrative Law Judge in preparing for the hearing or otherwise aid in the disposition of the proceeding.
(a) Purpose and scope. (1) Upon motion of a party or in the Administrative Law Judge's discretion, the judge may direct the parties or their counsel to participate in a prehearing conference at any reasonable time prior to the hearing, or in a conference during the course of the hearing, when the Administrative Law Judge finds that the proceeding would be expedited by such a conference. Prehearing conferences normally shall be conducted by conference telephonic communication unless, in the opinion of the Administrative Law Judge, such method would be impractical, or when such conferences can be conducted in a more expeditious or effective manner by correspondence or personal appearance. Reasonable notice of the time, place, and manner of the prehearing conference shall be given.
(2) At the conference, the following matters may be considered:
(i) The simplification of issues;
(ii) The necessity of amendments to pleadings;
(iii) The possibility of obtaining stipulations of facts and of the authenticity, accuracy, and admissibility of documents, which will avoid unnecessary proof;
(iv) The limitations on the number of expert or other witnesses;
(v) Negotiation, compromise, or settlement of issues;
(vi) The exchange of copies of proposed exhibits;
(vii) The identification of documents or matters of which official notice may be requested;
(viii) A schedule to be followed by the parties for completion of the actions decided at the conference; and
(ix) Such other matters, including the disposition of pending motions, as may expedite and aid in the disposition of the proceeding.
(b) Reporting. A verbatim record of the conference will not be kept unless directed by the Administrative Law Judge.
(c) Order. Actions taken as a result of a conference shall be reduced to a written order, unless the Administrative Law Judge concludes that a stenographic report shall suffice, or, if the conference takes place within seven (7) days of the beginning of the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge elects to make a statement on the record at the hearing summarizing the actions taken.
(a) Submission. Where the parties or their authorized representatives or their counsel have entered into a settlement agreement, they shall:
(1) Submit to the presiding Administrative Law Judge:
(i) The agreement containing consent findings; and
(ii) A proposed decision and order; or
(2) Notify the Administrative Law Judge that the parties have reached a full settlement and have agreed to dismissal of the action. Dismissal of the action shall be subject to the approval of the Administrative Law Judge, who may require the filing of the settlement agreement.
(b) Content. Any agreement containing consent findings and a proposed decision and order disposing of a proceeding or any part thereof shall also provide:
(1) That the decision and order based on consent findings shall have the same force and effect as a decision and order made after full hearing;
(2) That the entire record on which any decision and order may be based shall consist solely of the complaint, notice of hearing, and any other such pleadings and documents as the Administrative Law Judge shall specify;
(4) A waiver of any right to challenge or contest the validity of the decision and order entered into in accordance with the agreement.
(c) Disposition. In the event an agreement containing consent findings and an interim decision and order is submitted, the Administrative Law Judge, within thirty (30) days or as soon as practicable thereafter, may, if satisfied with its timeliness, form, and substance, accept such agreement by entering a decision and order based upon the agreed findings. In his or her discretion, the Administrative Law Judge may conduct a hearing to determine the fairness of the agreement, consent findings, and proposed decision and order.
When two or more hearings are to be held, and the same or substantially similar evidence is relevant and material to the matters at issue at each such hearing, the Administrative Law Judge assigned may, upon motion by any party, or on his or her own motion, order that a consolidated hearing be conducted. Where consolidated hearings are held, a single record of the proceedings may be made and the evidence introduced in one matter may be considered as introduced in the others, and a separate or joint decision shall be made at the discretion of the Administrative Law Judge.
(a) General. Parties may obtain discovery by one or more of the following methods: depositions upon oral examination or written questions; written interrogatories; production of documents or things, or permission to enter upon land or other property, for inspection and other purposes; physical and mental examinations; and requests for admissions. The frequency or extent of these methods may be limited by the Administrative Law Judge upon his or her own initiative or pursuant to a motion under paragraph (c) of this section.
(b) Scope of discovery. Unless otherwise limited by order of the Administrative Law Judge in accordance with the rules in this part, the parties may obtain discovery regarding any matter, not privileged, which is relevant to the subject matter involved in the proceeding, including the existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and location of any books, documents, or other tangible things, and the identity and location of persons having knowledge of any discoverable matter.
(c) Protective orders. Upon motion by a party or the person from whom discovery is sought, and for good cause shown, the Administrative Law Judge may make any order that justice requires to protect a party or person from annoyance, harassment, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense, including one or more of the following:
(2) The discovery may be had only on specified terms and conditions, including a designation of the time, amount, duration, or place;
(3) The discovery may be had only by a method of discovery other than that selected by the party seeking discovery; or
(4) Certain matters not relevant may not be inquired into, or that the scope of discovery be limited to certain matters.
(d) Supplementation of responses. A party who has responded to a request for discovery with a response that was complete when made is under no duty to supplement his or her response to include information thereafter acquired, except as follows:
(1) A party is under a duty to supplement timely his or her response with respect to any question directly addressed to:
(i) The identity and location of persons having knowledge of discoverable matters; and
(ii) The identity of each person expected to be called as an expert witness at the hearing, the subject matter on which he or she is expected to testify, and the substance of his or her testimony.
(2) A party is under a duty to amend timely a prior response if he or she later obtains information upon the basis of which:
(i) He or she knows the response was incorrect when made; or
(ii) He or she knows that the response, though correct when made, is no longer true and the circumstances are such that a failure to amend the response is in substance a knowing concealment.
(3) A duty to supplement responses may be imposed by order of the Administrative Law Judge upon motion of a party or agreement of the parties.
(a) Any party may serve upon any other party written interrogatories to be answered in writing by the party served, or if the party served is a public or private corporation or a partnership or association or governmental agency, by any authorized officer or agent, who shall furnish such information as is available to the party. A copy of the interrogatories shall be served on all parties to the proceeding.
(b) Each interrogatory shall be answered separately and fully in writing under oath or affirmation, unless it is objected to, in which event the reasons of objection shall be stated in lieu of an answer. The answers and objections shall be signed by the person making them. The party upon whom the interrogatories were served shall serve a copy of the answer or objections upon all parties to the proceeding within thirty (30) days after service of the interrogatories, or within such shorter or longer period as the Administrative Law Judge upon motion may allow.
(c) An interrogatory otherwise proper is not necessarily objectionable merely because an answer to the interrogatory involves an opinion or contention that relates to fact or the application of law to fact, but the Administrative Law Judge may upon motion order that such an interrogatory need not be answered until after designated discovery has been completed or until a prehearing conference or other later time.
(d) A person or entity upon whom interrogatories are served may respond by the submission of business records, indicating to which interrogatory the documents respond, if they are sufficient to answer said interrogatories.
(b) Each matter of which an admission is requested is admitted unless, within thirty (30) days after service of the request or such shorter or longer time as the Administrative Law Judge may allow, the party to whom the request is directed serves on the requesting party:
(1) A written statement denying specifically the relevant matters of which an admission is requested;
(2) A written statement setting forth in detail the reasons why he/she can neither truthfully admit nor deny them; or
(c) An answering party may not give lack of information or knowledge as a reason for failure to admit or deny unless the party states that he/she has made reasonable inquiry and that the information known or readily obtainable by him/her is insufficient to enable the party to admit or deny.
(d) Any matter admitted under this section is conclusively established unless the Administrative Law Judge upon motion permits withdrawal or amendment of the admission.
(e) A copy of each request for admission and each written response shall be served on all parties.
(a) Notice. Any party desiring to take the deposition of a witness shall give notice in writing to the witness and other parties of the time and place of the deposition, and the name and address of each witness. If documents are requested, the notice shall include a written request for the production of documents. Not less than ten (10) days written notice shall be given when the deposition is to be taken within the continental United States, and not less then twenty (20) days written notice shall be given when the deposition is to be taken elsewhere, unless otherwise permitted by the Administrative Law Judge or agreed to by the parties.
(b) When, how, and by whom taken. The following procedures shall apply to depositions:
(c) Motion to terminate or limit examination. During the taking of a deposition, a party or deponent may request suspension of the deposition on grounds of bad faith in the conduct of the examination, oppression of a deponent or party, or improper questions asked. The deposition will then be adjourned. However, the objecting party or deponent must immediately move the Administrative Law Judge for a ruling on his or her objections to the deposition conduct or proceedings.
(a) If a deponent fails to answer a question asked, or a party upon whom a discovery request is made pursuant to §§68.18 through 68.22 fails to respond adequately or objects to the request or to any part thereof, or fails to permit inspection as requested, the discovering party may move the Administrative Law Judge for an order compelling a response or inspection in accordance with the request. A party who has taken a deposition or has requested admissions or has served interrogatories may move to determine the sufficiency of the answers or objections thereto. Unless the objecting party sustains his or her burden of showing that the objection is justified, the Administrative Law Judge may order that an answer be served. If the Administrative Law Judge determines that an answer does not comply with the requirements of the rules in this part, he or she may order either that the matter is admitted or that an amended answer be served.
(b) The motion shall set forth and include:
(2) The response or objections of the party upon whom the request was served;
(3) Arguments in support of the motion; and
(4) A certification that the movant has in good faith conferred or attempted to confer with the person or party failing to make the discovery in an effort to secure information or material without action by the Administrative Law Judge.
(c) If a party, an officer or an agent of a party, or a witness, fails to comply with an order, including, but not limited to, an order for the taking of a deposition, the production of documents, the answering of interrogatories, a response to a request for admissions, or any other order of the Administrative Law Judge, the Administrative Law Judge may, for the purposes of permitting resolution of the relevant issues and disposition of the proceeding and to avoid unnecessary delay, take the following actions:
(1) Infer and conclude that the admission, testimony, documents, or other evidence would have been adverse to the non-complying party;
(2) Rule that for the purposes of the proceeding the matter or matters concerning which the order was issued be taken as established adversely to the non-complying party;
(3) Rule that the non-complying party may not introduce into evidence or otherwise rely upon testimony by such party, officer, or agent, or the documents or other evidence, in support of or in opposition to any claim or defense;
(4) Rule that the non-complying party may not be heard to object to introduction and use of secondary evidence to show what the withheld admission, testimony, documents, or other evidence would have shown;
(5) Rule that a pleading, or part of a pleading, or a motion or other submission by the non-complying party, concerning which the order was issued, be stricken, or that a decision of the proceeding be rendered against the non-complying party, or both;
(6) In the case of failure to comply with a subpoena, the Administrative Law Judge may also take the action provided in §68.25(e); and
(7) In ruling on a motion made pursuant to this section, the Administrative Law Judge may make and enter a protective order such as he or she is authorized to enter on a motion made pursuant to §68.42.
(d) Evasive or incomplete response. For the purposes of this section, an evasive or incomplete response to discovery may be treated as a failure to respond.
(a) Generally. At the hearing, any part or all of a deposition, so far as admissible, may be used against any party who was present or represented at the taking of the deposition or who had due notice thereof, in accordance with any one of the following provisions:
(1) Any deposition may be used by any party for the purpose of contradicting or impeaching the testimony of the deponent as a witness;
(2) The deposition of an expert witness may be used by any party for any purpose, unless the Administrative Law Judge rules that such use would be unfair or a violation of due process;
(3) The deposition of a party or of anyone who at the time of taking the deposition was an officer, director, or duly authorized agent of a public or private corporation, partnership, or association which is a party, may be used by any other party for any purpose;
(4) The deposition of a witness, whether or not a party, may be used by any party for any purpose if the Administrative Law Judge finds:
(ii) That the witness is out of the United States or more than 100 miles from the place of hearing unless it appears that the absence of the witness was procured by the party offering the deposition;
(iii) That the witness is unable to attend to testify because of age, sickness, infirmity, or imprisonment;
(v) Upon application and notice, that such exceptional circumstances exist to make it desirable, in the interest of justice, and with due regard to the importance of presenting the testimony of witnesses orally in open hearing, to allow the deposition to be used;
(5) If only part of a deposition is offered in evidence by a party, any other party may require him or her to introduce all of it which is relevant to the part introduced, and any party may introduce any other parts; and
(6) Substitution of parties does not affect the right to use depositions previously taken; and, when a proceeding in any hearing has been dismissed and another proceeding involving the parties or their representatives or successors in interest has been brought (or commenced), all depositions lawfully taken and duly filed in the former proceeding may be used in the latter if originally taken therefor.
(7) A party offering deposition testimony may offer it in stenographic or nonstenographic form, but if in nonstenographic form, the party shall also be responsible for providing a transcript of the portions so offered.
(b) Objections to admissibility. Except as provided in this paragraph, objections may be made at the hearing to receiving in evidence any deposition or part thereof for any reason that would require the exclusion of the evidence if the witness were then present and testifying.
(1) Objections to the competency of a witness or to the competency, relevancy, or materiality of testimony are not waived by failure to make them before or during the taking of the deposition, unless the ground of the objection is one that might have been obviated or removed if presented at that time.
[Order No. 2203-99, 64 FR 7077, Feb. 12, 1999]
(a) An Administrative Law Judge, upon his or her own initiative or upon request of an individual or entity before a complaint is filed or by a party once a complaint has been filed, may issue subpoenas as authorized by statute, either prior to or subsequent to the filing of a complaint. Such subpoena may require attendance and testimony of witnesses and production of things including, but not limited to, papers, books, documents, records, correspondence, or tangible things in their possession and under their control and access to such things for the purposes of examination and copying. A subpoena may be served by overnight courier service or overnight mail, certified mail, or by any person who is not less than 18 years of age. A witness, other than a witness subpoenaed on behalf of the Federal Government, may not be required to attend a deposition or hearing unless the mileage and witness fee applicable to witnesses in courts of the United States for each date of attendance is paid in advance of the date of the proceeding. Mileage and witness fees need not be paid to a witness at the time of service of the subpoena if the witness is subpoenaed by the Federal Government.
(b) The subpoena shall identify the person or things subpoenaed, the person to whom it is returnable and the place, date, and time at which it is returnable; or the subpoena shall identify the nature of the evidence to be examined and copied, and the date and time when access is requested. Where a non-party is subpoenaed, the requestor of the subpoena must give notice to all parties, or if no complaint has been filed, then notice shall be given to individuals or entities who have been charged with an unfair immigration-related employment practice under section 274B of the INA, the individual initiating the alleged unfair immigration-related employment practice, and the Office of Special Counsel. For purposes of this subsection, the receipt of the subpoena or a copy of the subpoena shall serve as the notice.
(c) Any person served with a subpoena issued by an Administrative Law Judge who intends not to comply with it shall, within ten (10) days after the date of service of the subpoena upon such person or within such other time the Administrative Law Judge deems appropriate, petition the Administrative Law Judge to revoke or modify the subpoena. A copy of the petition shall be served on all parties. If a complaint has not been filed in the matter, a copy of the petition shall be served on the individual or entity that requested the subpoena. The petition shall separately identify each portion of the subpoena with which the petitioner does not intend to comply and shall state, with respect to each such portion, the grounds upon which the petitioner relies. A copy of the subpoena shall be attached to the petition. Within eight (8) days after receipt of the petition, the individual or entity that applied for the subpoena may respond to such petition, and the Administrative Law Judge shall then make a final determination upon the petition. The Administrative Law Judge shall cause a copy of the final determination of the petition to be served upon all parties, or, if a complaint has not been filed, upon the individuals or entities requesting and responding to the subpoena.
(d) A party shall have standing to challenge a subpoena issued to a non-party if the party can claim a personal right or privilege in the discovery sought.
(e) Failure to comply. Upon the failure of any person to comply with an order to testify or a subpoena issued under this section, the Administrative Law Judge may, where authorized by law, apply through appropriate counsel to the appropriate district court of the United States for an order requiring compliance with the order or subpoena.
Hearings shall be held before an Administrative Law Judge appointed under 5 U.S.C. 3105 and assigned to the Department of Justice. The presiding judge in any case shall be designated by the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer. The Chief Administrative Hearing Officer may reassign a case previously assigned to an Administrative Law Judge to promote administrative efficiency. In unfair immigration-related employment practice cases, only Administrative Law Judges specially designated by the Attorney General as having special training respecting employment discrimination may be chosen by the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer to preside.
[54 FR 48596, Nov. 24, 1989. Redesignated by Order No. 1534-91, 56 FR 50053, Oct. 3, 1991, as amended by Order No. 1635-92, 57 FR 57672, Dec. 7, 1992]
(a) When granted. Continuances shall only be granted in cases where the requester has a prior judicial commitment or can demonstrate undue hardship, or a showing of other good cause.
(b) Time limit for requesting. Except for good cause arising thereafter, requests for continuances must be filed not later than fourteen (14) days prior to the date of the scheduled proceeding.
(c) How filed. Motions for continuances shall be in writing, unless made during the prehearing conference or the hearing. Copies shall be served on all parties. Any motions for continuances filed fewer than fourteen (14) days before the date of the scheduled proceeding shall, in addition to the written request, be telephonically communicated to the Administrative Law Judge or a member of the Judge's staff and to all other parties.
(d) Ruling. Time permitting, the Administrative Law Judge shall enter a written order in advance of the scheduled proceeding date that either grants or denies the request. Otherwise, the ruling shall be made orally by telephonic communication to the party requesting the continuance, who shall be responsible for telephonically notifying all other parties. Oral orders shall be confirmed in writing by the Administrative Law Judge.
(a) General powers. In any proceeding under this part, the Administrative Law Judge shall have all appropriate powers necessary to conduct fair and impartial hearings, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Conduct formal hearings in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and of this part;
(2) Administer oaths and examine witnesses;
(3) Compel the production of documents and appearance of witnesses in control of the parties;
(4) Compel the appearance of witnesses by the issuance of subpoenas as authorized by law;
(5) Issue decisions and orders;
(6) Take any action authorized by the Administrative Procedure Act;
(7) Exercise, for the purpose of the hearing and in regulating the conduct of the proceeding, such powers vested in the Attorney General as are necessary and appropriate therefore; and
(8) Take other appropriate measures necessary to enable him or her to discharge the duties of the office.
(b) Enforcement. If any person in proceedings before an Administrative Law Judge disobeys or resists any lawful order or process, or misbehaves during a hearing or so near the place thereof as to obstruct the same, or neglects to produce, after having been ordered to do so, any pertinent book, paper, or document, or refuses to appear after having been subpoenaed, or upon appearing refuses to take the oath as a witness, or after having taken the oath refuses to be examined according to law, the Administrative Law Judge responsible for the adjudication may, where authorized by statute or law, apply through appropriate counsel to the Federal District Court having jurisdiction in the place in which he/she is sitting to request appropriate remedies.
[54 FR 48596, Nov. 24, 1989. Redesignated and amended by Order No. 1534-91, 56 FR 50053, 50055, Oct. 3, 1991; Order No. 1635-92, 57 FR 57672, Dec. 7, 1992]
In the event the Administrative Law Judge designated to conduct the hearing becomes unavailable, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer may designate another Administrative Law Judge for the purpose of further hearing or other appropriate action.
No officer, employee, or agent of the Federal Government engaged in the performance of investigative or prosecutorial functions in connection with any proceeding shall, in that proceeding or a factually related proceeding, participate or advise in the decision of the Administrative Law Judge, except as a witness or counsel in the proceedings.
Hearings shall proceed with all reasonable speed, insofar as practicable and with due regard to the convenience of the parties.
(a) Participation of parties. Any party shall have the right to appear in a proceeding and may examine and cross-examine witnesses and introduce into the record documentary or other relevant evidence, except that the participation of any intervenor shall be limited to the extent prescribed by the Administrative Law Judge.
(b) Person compelled to testify. Any person compelled to testify in a proceeding in response to a subpoena may be accompanied, represented, and advised by an individual meeting the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section.
(c) Representation for parties other than the Department of Justice. Persons who may appear before the Administrative Law Judges on behalf of parties other than the Department of Justice include:
(i) Application. A written application by an individual who is neither an attorney nor a law student for admission to represent a party in proceedings shall be submitted to the Administrative Law Judge within ten (10) days from the receipt of the Notice of Hearing and complaint by the party on whose behalf the individual wishes to file the application. This period of time for filing the application may be extended upon approval of the Administrative Law Judge. The application shall set forth in detail the requesting individual's qualifications to represent the party.
(ii) Inquiry on qualifications or ability. The Administrative Law Judge may, at any time, inquire as to the qualifications or ability of any non-attorney to render assistance in proceedings before the Administrative Law Judge.
(iii) Denial of authority to appear. Except as provided in paragraph (c)(3)(iv) of this section, the Administrative Law Judge may enter an order denying the privilege of appearing to any individual who the Judge finds does not possess the requisite qualifications to represent others; is lacking in character or integrity; has engaged in unethical or improper professional conduct; or has engaged in an act involving moral turpitude.
(iv) Exception. Any individual may represent him or herself or any corporation, partnership or unincorporated association of which that individual is a partner or general officer in proceedings before the Administrative Law Judge without prior approval of the Administrative Law Judge and without filing the written application required by this paragraph. Such individuals must, however, file a notice of appearance in the manner set forth in paragraph (e) of this section.
(d) Representation for the Department of Justice. The Department of Justice may be represented by the appropriate counsel in these proceedings.
(e) Proof of authority. Any individual acting in a representative capacity in any adjudicative proceeding may be required by the Administrative Law Judge to show his or her authority to act in such capacity. Representation of a respondent shall be at no expense to the Government.
(f) Notice of appearance. Except for a government attorney filing a complaint pursuant to section 274A, 274B, or 274C of the INA, each attorney shall file a notice of appearance. Such notice shall indicate the name of the case or controversy, the case number if assigned, and the party on whose behalf the appearance is made. The notice of appearance shall be signed by the attorney, and shall be accompanied by a certification indicating that such notice was served on all parties of record. A request for a hearing signed by an attorney and filed with the Immigration and Naturalization Service pursuant to section 274A(e)(3)(A) or 274C(d)(2)(A) of the INA, and containing the same information as required by this section, shall be considered a notice of appearance on behalf of the respondent for whom the request was made.
(g) Withdrawal or substitution of a representative. Withdrawal or substitution of an attorney or representative may be permitted by the Administrative Law Judge upon written motion. The Administrative Law Judge shall enter an order granting or denying such motion for withdrawal or substitution.
The Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer does not have authority to appoint counsel.
(a) All persons appearing in proceedings before an Administrative Law Judge are expected to act with integrity, and in an ethical manner.
(b) The Administrative Law Judge may exclude from proceedings parties, witnesses, and their representatives for refusal to comply with directions, continued use of dilatory tactics, refusal to adhere to reasonable standards of orderly and ethical conduct, failure to act in good faith, or violation of the prohibition against ex parte communications. The Administrative Law Judge shall state in the record the cause for barring an attorney or other individual from participation in a particular proceeding. The Administrative Law Judge may suspend the proceeding for a reasonable time for the purpose of enabling a party to obtain another attorney or representative.
(a) General. Except for other employees of the Executive Office for Immigration Review, the Administrative Law Judge shall not consult any person, or party, on any fact in issue unless upon notice and opportunity for all parties to participate. Communications by the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, the assigned judge, or any party for the sole purpose of scheduling hearings, or requesting extensions of time are not considered ex parte communications, except that all other parties shall be notified of such request by the requesting party and be given an opportunity to respond thereto.
(b) Sanctions. A party or participant who makes a prohibited ex parte communication, or who encourages or solicits another to make any such communication, may be subject to any appropriate sanction or sanctions, including but not limited to, exclusion from the proceedings and adverse ruling on the issue which is the subject of the prohibited communication.
(a) Waiver of right to appear. If all parties waive in writing their right to appear before the Administrative Law Judge or to present evidence or argument personally or by representative, it shall not be necessary to give notice of and conduct an oral hearing. A waiver of the right to appear and present evidence and allegations as to facts and law shall be made in writing and filed with the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer or the Administrative Law Judge. Where such a waiver has been filed by all parties and they do not appear before the Administrative Law Judge personally or by representative, the Administrative Law Judge shall make a record of the relevant written evidence submitted by the parties, together with any pleadings they may submit with respect to the issues in the case. Such documents shall be considered as all of the evidence in the case and decision shall be based on them.
(b) Dismissal—Abandonment by party. A complaint or a request for hearing may be dismissed upon its abandonment by the party or parties who filed it. A party shall be deemed to have abandoned a complaint or a request for hearing if:
(1) A party or his or her representative fails to respond to orders issued by the Administrative Law Judge; or
(2) Neither the party nor his or her representative appears at the time and place fixed for the hearing and either
(i) Prior to the time for hearing, such party does not show good cause as to why neither he or she nor his or her representative can appear; or
(ii) Within ten (10) days after the time for hearing or within such other period as the Administrative Law Judge may allow, such party does not show good cause for such failure to appear.
(c) Default—Failure to appear. A default decision, under §68.9(b), may be entered, with prejudice, against any party failing, without good cause, to appear at a hearing.
[54 FR 48596, Nov. 24, 1989. Redesignated and amended by Order No. 1534-91, 56 FR 50053, 50056, Oct. 3, 1991; Order No. 1635-92, 57 FR 57672, Dec. 7, 1992]
(d) Form of summary decisions. Any final order entered as a summary decision shall conform to the requirements for all final orders. A final order made under this section shall include a statement of:
(1) Findings of fact and conclusions of law, and the reasons therefor, on all issues presented; and
(2) Any terms and conditions of the final order.
(e) Hearings on issue of fact. Where a genuine question of material fact is raised, the Administrative Law Judge shall set the case for an evidentiary hearing.
(a) Public. Hearings shall be open to the public. The Administrative Law Judge may order a hearing or any part thereof closed, where to do so would be in the best interests of the parties, a witness, the public, or other affected persons. Any order closing the hearing shall set forth the reasons for the decision. Any objections thereto shall be made a part of the record.
(b) Jurisdiction. The Administrative Law Judge shall have jurisdiction to decide all issues of fact and related issues of law.
(c) Rights of parties. Every party shall have the right of timely notice and all other rights essential to a fair hearing, including, but not limited to, the right to present evidence, to conduct such cross-examination as may be necessary for a full and complete disclosure of the facts, and to be heard by objection, motion, and argument.
(d) Rights of participation. Every party shall have the right to make a written or oral statement of position. At the discretion of the Administrative Law Judge, participants may file proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a post hearing brief.
(e) Amendments to conform to the evidence. When issues not raised by the request for hearing, prehearing stipulation, or prehearing order are tried by express or implied consent of the parties, they shall be treated in all respects as if they had been raised in the pleadings. Such amendment of the pleadings as may be necessary to cause them to conform to the evidence may be made on motion of any party at any time; but failure to so amend does not affect the result of the hearing of these issues. The Administrative Law Judge may grant a continuance to enable the objecting party to meet such evidence.
(a) Applicability of Federal rules of evidence. Unless otherwise provided by statute or these rules, the Federal Rules of Evidence will be a general guide to all proceedings held pursuant to these rules.
(b) Admissibility. All relevant material and reliable evidence is admissible, but may be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by unfair prejudice or confusion of the issues, or by considerations of undue delay, waste of time, immateriality, or needless presentation of cumulative evidence. Stipulations of fact may be introduced in evidence with respect to any issue. Every party shall have the right to present his/her case or defense by oral or documentary evidence, depositions, and duly authenticated copies of records and documents; to submit rebuttal evidence; and to conduct such reasonable cross-examination as may be required for a full and true disclosure of the facts. The Administrative Law Judge shall have the right in his/her discretion to limit the number of witnesses whose testimony may be merely cumulative and shall, as a matter of policy, not only exclude irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence but shall also limit the cross-examination of witnesses to reasonable bounds so as not to prolong the hearing unnecessarily, and unduly burden the record. Material and relevant evidence shall not be excluded because it is not the best evidence, unless its authenticity is challenged, in which case reasonable time shall be given to establish its authenticity. When only portions of a document are to be relied upon, the offering party shall prepare the pertinent excerpts, adequately identified, and shall supply copies of such excerpts, together with a statement indicating the purpose for which such materials will be offered, to the Administrative Law Judge and to the other parties. Only the excerpts, so prepared and submitted, shall be received in the record. However, the original document should be made available for examination and for use by opposing counsel for purposes of cross-examination. Compilations, charts, summaries of data, and photostatic copies of documents may be admitted in evidence if the proceedings will thereby be expedited, and if the material upon which they are based is available for examination by the parties.
(c) Objections to evidence. Objections to the admission or exclusion of evidence shall be in short form, stating the grounds of objections relied upon, and to the extent permitted by the Administrative Law Judge, the transcript shall include argument or debate thereon. Rulings on such objections shall be made at the time of objection or prior to the receipt of further evidence. Such ruling shall be a part of the record.
(d) Exceptions. Formal exceptions to the rulings of the Administrative Law Judge made during the course of the hearing are unnecessary. For all purposes for which an exception otherwise would be taken, it is sufficient that a party, at the time the ruling of the Administrative Law Judge is made or sought, makes known the action he/she desires the Administrative Law Judge to take or his/her objection to an action taken, and his/her grounds therefor.
(e) Offers of proof. Any offer of proof made in connection with an objection taken to any ruling of the Administrative Law Judge rejecting or excluding proffered oral testimony shall consist of a statement of the substance of the evidence which counsel contends would be adduced by such testimony, and, if the excluded evidence consists of evidence in documentary or written form or of reference to documents or records, a copy of such evidence shall be marked for identification and shall constitute the offer of proof.
(a) Privileged communications. Upon application of any person, the Administrative Law Judge may limit discovery or introduction of evidence or enter such protective or other orders as in the Judge's judgment may be consistent with the objective of protecting privileged communications and of protecting data and other material the disclosure of which would unreasonably prejudice a party, witness, or third party.
(b) Classified or sensitive matter. (1) Without limiting the discretion of the Administrative Law Judge to give effect to any other applicable privilege, it shall be proper for the Administrative Law Judge to limit discovery or introduction of evidence or to enter such protective or other orders as in the Judge's judgment may be consistent with the objective of preventing undue disclosure of classified or sensitive matter. When the Administrative Law Judge determines that information in documents containing sensitive matter should be made available the Judge may direct the producing party to prepare an unclassified or nonsensitive summary or extract of the original. The summary or extract may be admitted as evidence in the record.
(2) If the Administrative Law Judge determines that this procedure is inadequate and that classified or otherwise sensitive matter must form part of the record in order to avoid prejudice to any party, the Judge may so advise the parties and provide an opportunity for arrangements to permit a party or a representative to have access to such matter. Such arrangements may include obtaining security clearances or giving counsel for a party access to sensitive information and documents subject to assurances against further disclosure.
[Order No. 2203-99, 64 FR 7079, Feb. 12, 1999]
(a) Identification. All exhibits offered in evidence shall be numbered and marked with a designation identifying the party or intervenor by whom the exhibit is offered.
(b) Exchange of exhibits. When written exhibits are offered in evidence, one copy must be furnished to each of the parties at the hearing, and two copies to the Administrative Law Judge, unless the parties previously have been furnished with copies or the Administrative Law Judge directs otherwise. If the Administrative Law Judge has not fixed a time for the exchange of exhibits, the parties shall exchange copies of exhibits at the earliest practicable time, preferably before the hearing or, at the latest, at the commencement of the hearing.
(c) Substitution of copies for original exhibits. The Administrative Law Judge may permit a party to withdraw original documents offered in evidence and substitute true copies in lieu thereof.
[54 FR 48596, Nov. 24, 1989. Redesignated by Order No. 1534-91, 56 FR 50053, Oct. 3, 1991, and amended by Order No. 1635-92, 57 FR 57672, Dec. 7, 1992]
In case any portion of the record in any other proceeding or civil or criminal action is offered in evidence, a true copy of such portion shall be presented for the record in the form of an exhibit unless the Administrative Law Judge directs otherwise.
Where relevant and material matter offered in evidence is embraced in a document containing other matter not material or relevant and not intended to be put in evidence, the participant offering the same shall plainly designate the matter so offered, segregating and excluding insofar as practicable the immaterial or irrelevant parts. If other matter in such document is in such bulk or extent as would necessarily encumber the record, such document will not be received in evidence, but may be marked for identification, and if properly authenticated, the relevant and material parts thereof may be read into the record, or if the Administrative Law Judge so directs, a true copy of such matter in proper form shall be received in evidence as an exhibit, and copies shall be delivered by the participant offering the same to the other parties or their attorneys appearing at the hearing, who shall be afforded an opportunity to examine the entire document and to offer in evidence in like manner other material and relevant portions thereof.
The authenticity of all documents submitted as proposed exhibits in advance of the hearing shall be deemed admitted unless written objection therto is filed prior to the hearing, except that a party will be permitted to challenge such authenticity at a later time upon a clear showing of good cause for failure to have filed such written objection.
The parties may by stipulation in writing at any stage of the proceeding, or by stipulation made orally at the hearing, agree upon any pertinent facts in the processing. It is desirable that the facts be thus agreed upon so far as and whenever practicable. Stipulations may be received in evidence at a hearing or prior thereto, and when received in evidence, shall be binding on the parties thereto.
(a) General. A verbatim written record of all hearings shall be kept, except in cases where the proceedings are terminated in accordance with §68.14. All evidence upon which the Administrative Law Judge relies for decision shall be contained in the transcript of testimony, either directly or by appropriate reference. All exhibits introduced as evidence shall be marked for identification and incorporated into the record. Transcripts may be obtained by the parties and the public from the official court reporter of record. Any fees in connection therewith shall be the responsibility of the parties.
(b) Corrections. Corrections to the official transcript will be permitted upon motion. Motions for correction must be submitted within ten (10) days of the receipt of the transcript by the Administrative Law Judge or such other time as may be permitted by the Administrative Law Judge. Corrections of the official transcript will be permitted only when errors of substance are involved and only upon approval of the Administrative Law Judge.
(a) When there is a hearing, the record shall be closed at the conclusion of the hearing unless the Administrative Law Judge directs otherwise.
(b) If any party waives a hearing, the record shall be closed on the date set by the Administrative Law Judge as the final date for the receipt of submissions of the parties to the matter.
(c) Once the record is closed, no additional evidence shall be accepted into the record except upon a showing that new and material evidence has become available which was not readily available prior to the closing of the record. However, the Administrative Law Judge shall make part of the record any motions for attorney's fees authorized by statutes, and any supporting documentation, any determinations thereon, and any approved correction to the transcript.
Documents submitted for the record after the close of the hearing will not be received in evidence except upon ruling of the Administrative Law Judge. Such documents when submitted shall be accompanied by proof that copies have been served upon all parties, who shall have an opportunity to comment thereon. Copies shall be received not later than twenty (20) days after the close of the hearing except for good cause shown, and not less than ten (10) days prior to the date set for filing briefs. Exhibit numbers should be assigned by counsel or the party.
(a) Proposed final order. (1) Within twenty (20) days of filing of the transcript of the testimony, or within such additional time as the Administrative Law Judge may allow, the Administrative Law Judge may require the parties to file proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and orders, together with supporting briefs expressing the reasons for such proposals. Such proposals and briefs shall be served on all parties and shall refer to all portions of the record and to all authorities relied upon in support of each proposal.
(2) The Administrative Law Judge may, by order, require that when a proposed order is filed for the Administrative Law Judge's consideration, the filing party shall submit to the Administrative Law Judge a copy of the proposed order on a 3.5″ microdisk.
(b) Entry of final order. Unless an extension of time is given by the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer for good cause, the Administrative Law Judge shall enter the final order within sixty (60) days after receipt of the hearing transcript or of post-hearing briefs, proposed findings of fact, and conclusions of law, if any, by the Administrative Law Judge. The final order entered by the Administrative Law Judge shall be based upon the whole record. It shall be supported by reliable and probative evidence. The standard of proof shall be by a preponderance of the evidence.
(c) Contents of final order with respect to unlawful employment of unauthorized aliens. (1) If, upon the preponderance of the evidence, the Administrative Law Judge determines that a person or entity named in the complaint has violated section 274A(a)(1)(A) or (a)(2) of the INA, the final order shall require the person or entity to cease and desist from such violations and to pay a civil penalty in an amount of:
(i) Not less than $275 and not more than $2,200 for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom there was a violation of either such paragraph occurring before March 27, 2008; not less than $375 and not more than $3,200 for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom there was a violation of either such paragraph occurring on or after March 27, 2008;
(ii) In the case of a person or entity previously subject to one final order under this paragraph (c)(1), not less than $2,200 and not more than $5,500 for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom there was a violation of either such paragraph occurring before March 27, 2008, and not less than $3,200 and not more than $6,500 for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom there was a violation of either such paragraph occurring on or after March 27, 2008; or
(iii) In the case of a person or entity previously subject to more than one final order under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, not less than $3,300 and not more than $11,000 for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom there was a violation of each such paragraph occurring before March 27, 2008, and not less than $4,300 and not more than $16,000 for each unauthorized alien with respect to whom there was a violation of each such paragraph occurring on or after March 27, 2008.
(2) The final order may also require the respondent to participate in, and comply with the terms of, one of the pilot programs set forth in Pub. L. 104-208, Div. C, sections 401-05, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009-655 to 3009-665 (1996) (codified at 8 U.S.C. 1324a (note)), with respect to the respondent's hiring or recruitment or referral of individuals in a state (as defined in section 101(a)(36) of the INA) covered by such a program.
(3) The final order may also require the respondent to comply with the requirements of section 274A(b) of the INA with respect to individuals hired (or recruited or referred for employment for a fee) during a period of up to three years; and to take such other remedial action as is appropriate.
(4) In the case of a person or entity composed of distinct, physically separate subdivisions, each of which provides separately for the hiring, recruiting, or referring for employment, without reference to the practices of, and under the control of, or common control with, another subdivision, each such subdivision shall be considered a separate person or entity.
(5) If, upon a preponderance of the evidence, the Administrative Law Judge determines that a person or entity named in the complaint has violated section 274A(a)(1)(B) of the INA, except as set forth in paragraph (c)(6) of this section, the final order under this paragraph shall require the person or entity to pay a civil penalty in an amount of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 for each individual with respect to whom such violation occurred before March 15, 1999, and not less than $110 and not more than $1,100 for each individual with respect to whom such violation occurred on or after March 15, 1999. In determining the amount of the penalty, due consideration shall be given to the size of the business of the employer being charged, the good faith of the employer, the seriousness of the violation, whether or not the individual was an unauthorized alien, and the history of previous violations.
(6) With respect to a violation of section 274A(a)(1)(B) of the INA where a person or entity participating in a pilot program has failed to provide notice of final nonconfirmation of employment eligibility of an individual to the Attorney General as required by Pub. L. 104-208, Div. C, section 403(a)(4)(C), 110 Stat. 3009, 3009-661 (1996) (codified at 8 U.S.C. 1324a (note)), the final order under this paragraph shall require the person or entity to pay a civil penalty in an amount of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000 for each individual with respect to whom such violation occurred before March 27, 2008, and not less than $550 and not more than $1,100 for each individual with respect to whom such violation occurred on or after March 27, 2008.
(7) Prohibition of indemnity bond cases. If, upon the preponderance of the evidence, the Administrative Law Judge determines that a person or entity has violated section 274A(g)(1) of the INA, the final order shall require the person or entity to pay a civil penalty of $1,000 for each individual with respect to whom such violation occurred before March 15, 1999, and $1,100 for each individual with respect to whom such violation occurred on or after March 15, 1999, and require the return of any amounts received in such violation to the individual or, if the individual cannot be located, to the general fund of the Treasury.
(8) Civil penalties assessed after August 1, 2016. For civil penalties assessed after August 1, 2016, whose associated violations described in paragraph (c) of this section occurred after November 2, 2015, the applicable civil penalty amounts are set forth in 28 CFR 85.5.
(9) Attorney's fees. A prevailing respondent may receive, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 504, an award of attorney's fees in unlawful employment and prohibition of indemnity bond cases. Any application for attorney's fees shall be accompanied by an itemized statement from the attorney or representative, stating the actual time expended and the rate at which fees and other expenses were computed. An award of attorney's fees will not be made if the Administrative Law Judge determines that the complainant's position was substantially justified or special circumstances make the award unjust.
(d) Contents of final order with respect to unfair immigration-related employment practice cases. (1) If, upon the preponderance of the evidence, the Administrative Law Judge determines that any person or entity named in the complaint has engaged in or is engaging in an unfair immigration-related employment practice, the final order shall include a requirement that the person or entity cease and desist from such practice. The final order may also require the person or entity:
(i) To comply with the requirements of section 274A(b) of the INA with respect to individuals hired (or recruited or referred for employment for a fee) during a period of up to three years;
(ii) To retain for a period of up to three years, and only for purposes consistent with section 274A(b)(5) of the INA, the name and address of each individual who applies, in person or in writing, for hiring for an existing position, or for recruiting or referring for a fee, for employment in the United States;
(iv) To post notices to employees about their rights under section 274B and employers' obligations under section 274A;
(v) To educate all personnel involved in hiring and in complying with section 274A or 274B about the requirements of 274A or 274B;
(vi) To order, in an appropriate case, the removal of a false performance review or false warning from an employee's personnel file;
(vii) To order, in an appropriate case, the lifting of any restrictions on an employee's assignments, work shifts, or movements;
(viii) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(1)(xii) of this section, to pay a civil penalty of not less than $275 and not more than $2,200 for each individual discriminated against before March 27, 2008, and not less than $375 and not more than $3,200 for each individual discriminated against on or after March 27, 2008;
(ix) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(1)(xii) of this section, in the case of a person or entity previously subject to a single final order under section 274B(g)(2) of the INA, to pay a civil penalty of not less than $2,200 and not more than $5,500 for each individual discriminated against before March 27, 2008, and not less than $3,200 and not more than $6,500 for each individual discriminated against on or after March 27, 2008;
(x) Except as provided in paragraph (d)(1)(xii) of this section, in the case of a person or entity previously subject to more than one final order under section 274B(g)(2) of the INA, to pay a civil penalty of not less than $3,300 and not more than $11,000 for each individual discriminated against before March 27, 2008, and not less than $4,300 and not more than $16,000 for each individual discriminated against on or after March 27, 2008;
(xi) To participate in, and comply with the terms of, one of the pilot programs set forth in Pub. L. 104-208, Div. C, sections 401-05, 110 Stat. 3009, 3009-655 to 3009-665 (1996) (codified at 8 U.S.C. 1324a (note)), with respect to the respondent's hiring or recruitment or referral of individuals in a state (as defined in section 101(a)(36) of the INA) covered by such a program; and
(xii) In the case of an unfair immigration-related employment practice where a person or entity, for the purpose or with the intent of discriminating against an individual in violation of section 274B(a), requests more or different documents than are required under section 274A(b) or refuses to honor documents that on their face reasonably appear to be genuine, to pay a civil penalty of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000 for each individual discriminated against before March 15, 1999, and not less than $110 and not more than $1,100 for each individual discriminated against on or after March 15, 1999, or to order any of the remedies listed as paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (d)(1)(vii) of this section.
(2) Civil penalties assessed after August 1, 2016. For civil penalties assessed after August 1, 2016, whose associated violations described in paragraph (d) of this section occurred after November 2, 2015, the applicable civil penalty amounts are set forth in 28 CFR 85.5.
(3) Back pay liability shall not accrue from a date more than two years prior to the date of the filing of a charge with the Special Counsel. In no event shall back pay accrue from before November 6, 1986. Interim earnings or amounts earnable with reasonable diligence by the individual or individuals discriminated against shall operate to reduce the back pay otherwise allowable. No order shall require the hiring of an individual as an employee, or the payment to an individual of any back pay, if the individual was refused employment for any reason other than discrimination on account of national origin or citizenship status unless it is determined that an unfair immigration-related employment practice exists under section 274B(a)(5) of the INA.
(4) In applying paragraph (d) of this section in the case of a person or entity composed of distinct, physically separate subdivisions, each of which provides separately for the hiring, recruiting, or referring for employment, without reference to the practices of, and not under the control of or common control with another subdivision, each such subdivision shall be considered a separate person or entity.
(5) If, upon the preponderance of the evidence, the Administrative Law Judge determines that a person or entity named in the complaint has not engaged in and is not engaging in an unfair immigration-related employment practice, then the final order shall dismiss the complaint.
(6) Attorney's fees. The Administrative Law Judge in his or her discretion may allow a prevailing party, other than the United States, a reasonable attorney's fee if the losing party's argument is without reasonable foundation in law and fact. Any application for attorney's fees shall be accompanied by an itemized statement from the attorney or representative stating the actual time expended and the rate at which fees and other expenses were computed.
(e) Contents of final order with respect to document fraud cases. (1) If, upon the preponderance of the evidence, the Administrative Law Judge determines that a person or entity has violated section 274C of the INA, the final order shall include a requirement that the respondent cease and desist from such violations and pay a civil money penalty in an amount of:
(i) Not less than $275 and not more than $2,200 for each document that is the subject of a violation under section 274C(a)(1) through (4) of the INA before March 27, 2008, and not less than $375 and not more than $3,200 for each document that is the subject of a violation under section 274C(a)(1) through (4) of the INA on or after March 27, 2008;
(ii) Not less than $250 and not more than $2,000 for each document that is the subject of a violation under section 274C(a)(5) or (6) of the INA before March 27, 2008, and not less than $275 and not more than $2,200 for each document that is the subject of a violation under section 274C(a)(5) or (6) of the INA on or after March 27, 2008;
(iii) In the case of a respondent previously subject to one or more final orders under section 274C(d)(3) of the INA, not less than $2,200 and not more than $5,500 for each document that is the subject of a violation under section 274C(a)(1) through (4) of the INA before March 27, 2008, and not less than $3,200 and not more than $6,500 for each document that is the subject of a violation under section 274C(a)(1) through (4) of the INA on or after March 27, 2008; or
(iv) In the case of a respondent previously subject to one or more final orders under section 274C(d)(3) of the INA, not less than $2,000 and not more than $5,000 for each document that is the subject of a violation under section 274C(a)(5) or (6) of the INA before March 27, 2008, and not less than $2,200 and not more than $5,500 for each document that is the subject of a violation under section 274C(a)(5) or (6) of the INA on or after March 27, 2008.
(2) In the case of a person or entity composed of distinct, physically separate subdivisions, each of which provides separately for the hiring, recruiting, or referring for employment, without reference to the practices of, and under the control of, or common control with, another subdivision, each such subdivision shall be considered a separate person or entity.
(3) Civil penalties assessed after August 1, 2016. For civil penalties assessed after August 1, 2016, whose associated violations described in paragraph (e) of this section occurred after November 2, 2015, the applicable civil penalty amounts are set forth in 28 CFR 85.5.
(4) Attorney's fees. A prevailing respondent may receive, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 504, an award of attorney's fees in document fraud cases. Any application for attorney's fees shall be accompanied by an itemized statement from the attorney or representative, stating the actual time expended and the rate at which fees and other expenses were computed. An award of attorney's fees shall not be made if the Administrative Law Judge determines that the complainant's position was substantially justified or special circumstances make the award unjust.
(f) Corrections to orders. An Administrative Law Judge may, in the interest of justice, correct any clerical mistakes or typographical errors contained in a final order entered in a case arising under section 274A or 274C of the INA at any time within thirty (30) days after the entry of the final order. Changes other than clerical mistakes or typographical errors will be considered in cases arising under sections 274A and 274C of the INA by filing a request for review to the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer by a party under §68.54, or the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer may exercise discretionary review to make such changes pursuant to §68.54. In cases arising under section 274B of the INA, an Administrative Law Judge may correct any substantive, clerical, or typographical errors or mistakes in a final order at any time within sixty (60) days after the entry of the final order.
(g) Final agency order. In a case arising under section 274A or 274C of the INA, the Administrative Law Judge's order becomes the final agency order sixty (60) days after the date of the Administrative Law Judge's order, unless the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer modifies, vacates, or remands the Administrative Law Judge's final order pursuant to §68.54, or unless the order is referred to the Attorney General pursuant to §68.55. In a case arising under section 274B of the INA, the Administrative Law Judge's order becomes the final agency order on the date the order is issued.
[Order No. 2203-99, 64 FR 7079, Feb. 12, 1999, as amended by Order No. 2255-99, 64 FR 49660, Sept. 14, 1999; Order No. 2944-2008, 73 FR 10136, Feb. 26, 2008; AG Order 3690-2016, 81 FR 42499, June 30, 2016]
(a) Authority. In a case arising under section 274A or 274C of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer may, within thirty (30) days of the date of an Administrative Law Judge's interlocutory order, issue an order that modifies or vacates the interlocutory order. The Chief Administrative Hearing Officer may review an Administrative Law Judge's interlocutory order if:
(1) An Administrative Law Judge, when issuing an interlocutory order, states in writing that the Judge believes:
(i) That the order concerns an important question of law on which there is a substantial difference of opinion; and
(ii) That an immediate appeal will advance the ultimate termination of the proceeding or that subsequent review will be an inadequate remedy; or
(2) Within ten (10) days of the date of the entry of an interlocutory order a party requests by motion that the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer review the interlocutory order. This motion shall contain a clear statement of why interlocutory review is appropriate under the standards set out in paragraph (a)(1) of this section; or
(3) Within ten (10) days of the entry of the interlocutory order, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, upon the Officer's own initiative, determines that such order is appropriate for interlocutory review pursuant to the standards set out in paragraph (a)(1) and issues a notification of review. This notification shall state the issues to be reviewed.
(b) Stay of proceedings. Review of an Administrative Law Judge's interlocutory order will not stay the proceeding unless the Administrative Law Judge or the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer determines that the circumstances require a postponement.
(c) Review by Chief Administrative Hearing Officer. Review by the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer of an interlocutory order shall be conducted in the same manner as is provided for review of final orders in §68.54(b) through (d). An interlocutory order, or an order modifying, vacating, or remanding an interlocutory order, shall not be considered a final agency order. If the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer does not modify, vacate, or remand an interlocutory order reviewed pursuant to paragraph (a) within thirty (30) days of the date that the order is entered, the Administrative Law Judge's interlocutory order is deemed adopted.
(d) Effect of interlocutory review. (1) An order by the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer modifying or vacating an interlocutory order shall also remand the case to the Administrative Law Judge. Further proceedings in the case shall be conducted consistent with the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer's order.
(2) Whether or not an interlocutory order is reviewed by the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, all parties retain the right to request administrative review of the final order of the Administrative Law Judge pursuant to §68.54 with respect to all issues in the case.
[Order No. 2203-99, 64 FR 7081, Feb. 12, 1999]
(a) Authority of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer. In a case arising under section 274A or 274C of the INA, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer has discretionary authority, pursuant to sections 274A(e)(7) and 274C(d)(4) of the INA and 5 U.S.C. 557, to review any final order of an Administrative Law Judge in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(1) A party may file with the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer a written request for administrative review within ten (10) days of the date of entry of the Administrative Law Judge's final order, stating the reasons for or basis upon which it seeks review.
(2) The Chief Administrative Hearing Officer may review an Administrative Law Judge's final order on his or her own initiative by issuing a notification of administrative review within ten (10) days of the date of entry of the Administrative Law Judge's order. This notification shall state the issues to be reviewed.
(b) Written and oral arguments. (1) In any case in which administrative review has been requested or ordered pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, the parties may file briefs or other written statements within twenty-one (21) days of the date of entry of the Administrative Law Judge's order.
(2) At the request of a party, or on the Officer's own initiative, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer may, at the Officer's discretion, permit or require additional filings or may conduct oral argument in person or telephonically.
(c) Filing and service of documents relating to administrative review. All requests for administrative review, briefs, and other filings relating to review by the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer shall be filed and served by facsimile or same-day hand delivery, or if such filing or service cannot be made, by overnight delivery, as provided in §68.6(c). A notification of administrative review by the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer shall also be served by facsimile or same-day hand delivery, or if such service cannot be made, by overnight delivery service.
(d) Review by the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer. (1) On or before thirty (30) days subsequent to the date of entry of the Administrative Law Judge's final order, but not before the time for filing briefs has expired, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer may enter an order that modifies or vacates the Administrative Law Judge's order, or remands the case to the Administrative Law Judge for further proceedings consistent with the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer's order. However, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer is not obligated to enter an order unless the Administrative Law Judge's order is modified, vacated or remanded.
(2) If the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer enters an order that remands the case to the Administrative Law Judge, the Administrative Law Judge will conduct further proceedings consistent with the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer's order. Any administrative review of the Administrative Law Judge's subsequent order shall be conducted in accordance with this section.
(3) The Chief Administrative Hearing Officer may make technical corrections to the Officer's order up to and including thirty (30) days subsequent to the issuance of that order.
(e) Final agency order. If the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer enters a final order that modifies or vacates the Administrative Law Judge's final order, and the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer's order is not referred to the Attorney General pursuant to §68.55, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer's order becomes the final agency order thirty (30) days subsequent to the date of the modification or vacation.
[Order No. 2203-99, 64 FR 7082, Feb. 12, 1999]
(a) Referral of cases by direction of the Attorney General. Within thirty (30) days of the entry of a final order by the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer modifying or vacating an Administrative Law Judge's final order, or within sixty (60) days of the entry of an Administrative Law Judge's final order, if the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer does not modify or vacate the Administrative Law Judge's final order, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer shall promptly refer to the Attorney General for review any final order in cases arising under section 274A or 274C of the INA if the Attorney General so directs the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer. When a final order is referred to the Attorney General in accordance with this paragraph, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer shall give the Administrative Law Judge and all parties a copy of the referral.
(b) Request by Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization for review by the Attorney General. The Chief Administrative Hearing Officer shall promptly refer to the Attorney General for review any final order in cases arising under sections 274A or 274C of the INA at the request of the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization within thirty (30) days of the entry of a final order modifying or vacating the Administrative Law Judge's final order or within sixty (60) days of the entry of an Administrative Law Judge's final order, if the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer does not modify or vacate the Administrative Law Judge's final order.
(1) The Immigration and Naturalization Service must first seek review of an Administrative Law Judge's final order by the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, in accordance with §68.54 before the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization may request that an Administrative Law Judge's final order be referred to the Attorney General for review.
(2) To request referral of a final order to the Attorney General, the Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization must submit a written request to the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer and transmit copies of the request to all other parties to the case and to the Administrative Law Judge at the time the request is made. The written statement shall contain a succinct statement of the reasons the case should be reviewed by the Attorney General and the grounds for appeal.
(3) The Attorney General, in the exercise of the Attorney General's discretion, may accept the Commissioner's request for referral of the case for review by issuing a written notice of acceptance within sixty (60) days of the date of the request. Copies of such written notice shall be transmitted to all parties in the case and to the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer.
(c) Review by the Attorney General. When a final order of an Administrative Law Judge or the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer is referred to the Attorney General pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, or a referral is accepted in accordance with paragraph (b)(3) of this section, the Attorney General shall review the final order pursuant to section 274A(e)(7) or 274C(d)(4) of the INA and 5 U.S.C. 557. No specific time limit is established for the Attorney General's review.
(1) All parties shall be given the opportunity to submit briefs or other written statements pursuant to a schedule established by the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer or the Attorney General.
(2) The Attorney General shall enter an order that adopts, modifies, vacates, or remands the final order under review. The Attorney General's order shall be stated in writing and shall be transmitted to all parties in the case and to the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer.
(3) If the Attorney General remands the case for further administrative proceedings, the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer or the Administrative Law Judge shall conduct further proceedings consistent with the Attorney General's order. Any subsequent final order of the Administrative Law Judge or the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer shall be subject to administrative review in accordance with §68.54 and this section.
(d) Final agency order. (1) The Attorney General's order pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section (other than a remand as provided in paragraph (c)(3)) shall become the final agency order on the date of the Attorney General's order.
(2) If the Attorney General declines the Commissioner's request for referral of a case pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, or does not issue a written notice of acceptance within sixty (60) days of the date of the Commissioner's request, then the final order of the Administrative Law Judge or the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer that was the subject of a referral pursuant to paragraph (b) shall become the final agency order on the day after that sixty (60) day period has expired.
A person or entity adversely affected by a final agency order may file, within forty-five (45) days after the date of the final agency order, a petition in the United States Court of Appeals for the appropriate circuit for review of the final agency order. Failure to request review by the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer of a final order by an Administrative Law Judge shall not prevent a party from seeking judicial review.
Any person aggrieved by a final agency order issued under §68.52(d) may, within sixty (60) days after entry of the order, seek review of the final agency order in the United States Court of Appeals for the circuit in which the violation is alleged to have occurred or in which the employer resides or transacts business. If a final agency order issued under §68.52(d) is not appealed, the Special Counsel (or, if the Special Counsel fails to act, the person filing the charge, other than the Immigration and Naturalization Service officer) may file a petition in the United States District Court for the district in which the violation that is the subject of the final agency order is alleged to have occurred, or in which the respondent resides or transacts business, requesting that the order be enforced.
Upon timely receipt of notification that an appeal has been taken, a certified copy of the record will be filed promptly with the appropriate United States Court.