IMMIGRATION JUDGES AND BOARD MAY ADMINISTRATIVELY CLOSE REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS EVEN IF DHS OPPOSES IT

February 06, 2012

Posted by: Norka M. Schell, Esq.


The Matter of Gutierrez is now overruled by Bavakan Avetisyan.

The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) held that the Immigration Judges and Board may, in the exercise of independent judgment and discretion, administratively close proceedings under the appropriate circumstances, even if a party opposes. 25 I&N Dec. 688 (BIA 2012)

Bavakan Avetisyan is a woman who is native and citizen of Armenia. She came to the United States legally with a J-1 visa to pursue her studies. She overstayed her visa. She was placed into proceedings by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). She married to an U.S. citizen and they have a child together. An immigrant petition was filed on her behalf and if approved, Avetisyan, she would eligible to an adjustment of status. While her immigrant petition still pending adjudication, Avetisyan requested the Immigration Judge to administratively close her case. DHS opposed to Avetisyan's request, and instead requested for a continuance of the proceedings. The Immigration Judge denied the DHS's request for continuance and granted Avetisyan's request to administratively close proceedings. The DHS filed an appeal. The appeal was decided and dismissed on January 31, 2012.