Opinion ID: 2978320
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Timeliness of the Motion to Reopen

Text: The BIA held that Vakeesan’s motion to reopen “is untimely and will be denied.” (App. 2.) A motion to reopen must “be filed within 90 days of the date of entry of a final administrative order of removal.” 8 U.S.C. § 1229a(c)(7)(C)(1); see also 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(c)(2). The ninety-day period for filing a motion to reopen is subject to four narrow exceptions: (1) where the BIA reopens the proceedings sua sponte; (2) where the parties agree to reopen the proceedings; (3) changed circumstances in the country of nationality of which there is new, material evidence that could not have been discovered or presented at the time of the original proceeding; and (4) certain in absentia decisions. Barry v. Mukasey, 524 F.3d 721, 723 (6th Cir. 2008) (quoting Qeraxhiu v. Gonzales, 206 F. App’x 476, 480 (6th Cir. 2006)); see also 8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.2(a), (c)(3)(ii). In this case, Vakeesan did not file her motion within ninety days of the final administrative removal order. Both parties agree, however, that Vakeesan’s motion to reopen falls within one of these exceptions, as it alleges changed conditions in Sri Lanka. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2(c)(3)(ii). 8 No. 08-3622 Vakeesan v. Holder