Opinion ID: 1238028
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Importance of Ahmed's AAO appeal

Text: In both Cui and in Karapetyan, we held that the denial of a continuance prevented the petitioner from exercising her right to present evidence during removal proceedings. See, e.g., Cui, 538 F.3d at 1292-93; Karapetyan, 543 F.3d at 1130-31; see also 8 U.S.C. § 1252(b). In both cases, we evaluated the importance of the evidence excluded as a result of the denied motions. Cui, 538 F.3d at 1292-93; Karapetyan, 543 F.3d at 1130-31. Because the excluded evidence was of vital importance to each petitioner's case, we held that this counsel[ed] in favor of granting a continuance. Cui, 538 F.3d at 1293; see also Karapetyan, 543 F.3d at 1130-31. Just as a petitioner has a statutory right to present evidence on his own behalf in removal proceedings, the regulations provide visa applicants with the right to appeal the denial of an I-140 visa petition to the AAO. 8 U.S.C. § 1252(b); 8 C.F.R. § 204.5(n)(2). By denying Ahmed's request for a continuance, the IJ effectively pretermitted Ahmed's I-140 appeal. Had the continuance been granted, and had Ahmed's AAO appeal been successful, he could have filed a Form I-485 to adjust his status to that of a permanent resident. If Ahmed departs or is removed, he could be ineligible to reapply or renter the United States for a period of ten years. 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(9)(B)(i)(I). Of course, there is no guarantee that Ahmed would have been successful in his appeal. Nonetheless, the outcome of the appeal was undeniably important, and this weighs in favor of granting the continuance-especially in light of the consequences of voluntary departure or removal.