Opinion ID: 40378
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Motions to Reopen Distinguished From Motions to Reconsider Removal Decisions

Text: 8 The INA affords an alien who has been adjudicated to be removable with the statutory right to file two different types of motions aimed at having an adverse decision overturned: (1) a motion to reopen his proceedings, 11 and (2) a motion to reconsider the removal decision. 12 Substantively, a motion to reopen a removal order must state ... new facts that will be proven at a hearing to be held if the motion is granted, and [must] be supported by affidavits or other evidentiary material. 13 [O]ne motion to reopen is all that the INA permits 14 ; and, generally, that one motion must be filed within 90 days of the date of entry of a final administrative order of removal. 15 This general 90-day time limit does not apply, though, if, instead of filing a motion to reopen under 8 U.S.C. § 1229a(c)(6), the alien files a motion to reopen under 8 U.S.C. § 1229a(b)(5). 9 Section 1229a(b)(5) sets forth the [c]onsequences [to an alien] of [his] failure to appear for his removal proceedings. 16 Under § 1229a(b)(5), an alien who fails to appear for his removal proceeding (such as Singh) shall be ordered removed in absentia if the Service establishes by clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence that the alien received notice of his hearing and that he is in fact removable. 17 In contrast with other non- in absentia removal orders — which may be overturned through a motion to reopen filed under 8 U.S.C. § 1229a(c)(6) — an in absentia removal order 10 may be rescinded only— 11 (i) upon a motion to reopen filed within 180 days after the date of the order of removal if the alien demonstrates that the failure to appear was because of exceptional circumstances ..., or 12 (ii) upon a motion to reopen filed at any time if the alien demonstrates that the alien did not receive notice [of his removal hearing]. 18 13 Such a § 1229(b)(5)(C) motion to reopen is what Singh purported to file with the Board in 2004. The Board, however, interpreted his filing as a § 1229(c)(6) motion to reopen. 14 Motions to reconsider removal decisions are governed by 8 U.S.C. § 1229a(c)(5). An alien is allotted just one motion to reconsider. 19 That motion must specify the errors of law or fact in the previous order ... and be supported by pertinent authority. 20