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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Board of Immigration Appeals
Read a random definition: Mathews v. Diaz
A quick definition of Board of Immigration Appeals:
The Board of Immigration Appeals is a group of people who make important decisions about immigration in the United States. They are the highest group that can make these decisions and they listen to people who are appealing decisions made by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. There are five people who are always on the Board and two others who are there temporarily. Usually, three people listen to each case and make a decision together.
A more thorough explanation:
The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) is the highest administrative tribunal for matters arising under U.S. immigration law. It is responsible for hearing appeals from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
The BIA is composed of five permanent members who are appointed by the Attorney General, as well as two immigration judges who serve on a temporary basis. Most cases are heard by panels of two permanent judges and one temporary judge.
For example, if an individual is facing deportation and believes that their case was mishandled by the INS, they can appeal to the BIA for a review of their case. The BIA will then review the case and make a decision on whether or not the individual should be deported.
Another example would be if an individual is seeking asylum in the United States and their application is denied by the INS. They can then appeal to the BIA for a review of their case and a possible reversal of the INS decision.
These examples illustrate how the BIA serves as a crucial component of the U.S. immigration system, providing a means for individuals to appeal decisions made by the INS and ensuring that the immigration process is fair and just.