Opinion ID: 789869
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: prejudice analysis

Text: 25 Because Biwot was prejudiced by the denial of counsel, we again leave unanswered the question whether a petitioner must show prejudice when he has been denied the right to counsel in removal proceedings. See Baltazar-Alcazar, 386 F.3d at 947 (collecting Ninth Circuit cases that demonstrate the unsettled nature of the prejudice inquiry). To establish prejudice, Biwot must show only that his rights were violated in a manner so as potentially to affect the outcome of the proceedings. Campos-Sanchez v. INS, 164 F.3d 448, 450 (9th Cir.1999) (quoting United States v. Cerda-Pena, 799 F.2d 1374, 1379 (9th Cir.1986)). Biwot easily clears this hurdle. With an attorney, he would not have been forced to proceed pro se, to present a case with no evidence, to answer the IJ's inquiries without any idea of their legal significance, or to purport unwittingly to waive his appeal. 26 Biwot requested that we address the merits of his claims for asylum and withholding of removal and consider the procedural posture of the letters he submitted to the BIA. We decline his invitation. In Biwot's letters to the BIA, he sought remand of his case to the IJ, which is the very outcome of our decision, albeit on different grounds. As to the merits of his claims for relief, we believe the best course is to permit the agency to consider in the first instance the procedural and substantive aspects of Biwot's claims. 27 We GRANT the petition as to the denial of counsel claim and REMAND with instructions to remand to the IJ to provide Biwot with reasonable time to obtain counsel, to present evidence, and to make such claims as are available. We DISMISS the petition as to the claims for review of Biwot's letters to the BIA and for consideration of the application for relief.