Opinion ID: 2718855
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Abuse-of-Discretion Standard

Text: Because ineffective representation was raised in a motion to reopen, we review the Board’s decision under an abuse-of-discretion standard. See Galvez Pineda v. Gonzales, 427 F.3d 833, 838 (10th Cir. 2005). The Board abuses its discretion when it fails to provide a rational explanation, inexplicably deviates from established policies, lacks any reasoning, or contains only conclusory explanations. Id. In contrast, the Board does not (10th Cir. 1986) (failure to thoroughly develop arguments in a brief generally results in waiver). 6 abuse its discretion when “its rationale is clear, there is no departure from established policies, and its statements are a correct interpretation of the law.” Infanzon v. Ashcroft, 386 F.3d 1359, 1362 (10th Cir. 2004).