Opinion ID: 696635
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Suspension of Deportation; Extreme Hardship

Text: 15 Biggs finally argues that the BIA erred in holding her ineligible for discretionary relief from deportation pursuant to 8 U.S.C. Sec. 1254(a)(1). The BIA held that Biggs was statutorily ineligible for such relief because she had not made a showing of extreme hardship. One member dissented, stating that Biggs had made a sufficient showing of medical hardship to require further development of the record on that point. 16 We agree with the dissenter. The BIA must consider all relevant factors in determining whether the alien established extreme hardship, and must demonstrate that it has so done. Batoon v. I.N.S., 707 F.2d 399, 401 (9th Cir.1983). Biggs presented evidence of a serious illness. The letter from Dr. Birnbaum explained his diagnosis and described treatment for Biggs, and concluded: 17 This patient has well documented systemic lupus erythematosus with continued disease activity and multi-organ involvement. Her prognosis is guarded and she requires ongoing, regular management of this serious illness. Management of patients with this degree of lupus activity requires a highly trained, well-experienced rheumatologist. I believe that this patient's health would be very adversely effected if she were to return to the Philippines. 18 The Birnbaum letter provided direct evidence of the adverse effect that deportation would have on Biggs' health. The IJ essentially ignored that evidence, and then refused Biggs' reasonable request to allow Dr. Birnbaum to testify telephonically on the matter. The BIA then ruled against Biggs because she failed to present evidence of medical hardship. This was an abuse of discretion. We remand to the BIA to allow Biggs to supplement the medical evidence in her record and to allow the BIA to reconsider her claim of medical hardship. 19 PETITION FOR REVIEW GRANTED; REVERSED IN PART AND REMANDED.