In some situations, it may be possible to challenge a prior immigration decision by asking the court or immigration agency to review the case again. Motions to reopen and motions to reconsider allow individuals to request that immigration authorities reevaluate a decision based on new evidence or legal errors.

Pathfinder Immigration Experts assists clients in determining whether a motion is appropriate and prepares detailed filings before immigration courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

A motion to reopen asks the immigration court or immigration agency to reopen a case because new evidence has become available that was not previously presented.

This evidence must be material to the case and may include new documentation, changed circumstances, or new facts that affect eligibility for immigration relief.

A motion to reconsider asks the immigration authority to review a prior decision based on legal or factual errors in the original ruling.

These motions argue that the decision was incorrect based on the law or the evidence already in the record.

Motions to reopen or reconsider may be used in situations involving:

• removal orders issued by an immigration judge
• new eligibility for immigration relief
• legal errors in a previous decision
• newly discovered evidence relevant to the case

Because these motions are subject to strict deadlines and procedural rules, careful legal preparation is essential.