Opinion ID: 149042
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: AWO Procedure

Text: As a general matter, we have held time and time again that the AWO procedure constitutes a valid exercise of the Attorney General's discretion to fashion its own rules of procedure. Mekhoukh v. Ashcroft, 358 F.3d 118, 130 (1st Cir.2004); see also Albathani, 318 F.3d at 377. As we stated in Albathani, promulgation of the AWO regulations is within the power of the [DHS]. 318 F.3d at 377. That being so, the BIA can adopt, without further explanation, the IJ's opinion. Id. Where the BIA affirms without opinion the decision of the IJ, the IJ's decision becomes the final agency decision for purposes of this Court's review. See 8 C.F.R. § 1003.1(e)(4)(ii). Accordingly, any suggestion by Larios that the AWO procedure in and of itself violates his due process rights is without merit.