Complete Table of Contents

Chapter 1 — Decision Tree: Choosing the Correct Reopening Path

• 1.1 Phase 1: Threshold Gatekeeping
• 1.2 Phase 2: Ground Selection
• 1.3 Phase 3: Pre-Filing Checklist
• 1.4 MTR Decision Tree

Chapter 2 — Universal Motion Requirements (Legal Framework)

• 2.1 Statutory & Regulatory Authority
• 2.1.1 Statutory Framework
• 2.1.2 Regulatory Framework
• 2.1.3 Reopening as Disfavored Remedy
• 2.1.4 Distinguishing Motions to Reopen from Motions to Reconsider
• 2.2 Jurisdictional Framework
• 2.2.1 Immigration Judge Jurisdiction
• 2.2.2 Board of Immigration Appeals Jurisdiction
• 2.2.3 Consequences of Jurisdictional Error
• 2.2.4 When Jurisdiction Is Unclear
• 2.3 Filing Deadlines & Timing
• 2.3.1 The 90-Day Rule
• 2.3.2 Statutory Exceptions to the 90-Day Deadline
• 2.3.3 Equitable Tolling of the 90-Day Deadline
• 2.4 Number Limitations
• 2.4.1 The One Motion Rule
• 2.4.2 Exceptions to the Number Bar
• 2.4.3 Equitable Tolling of the Number Bar
• 2.5 Prima Facie Eligibility Standard
• 2.5.1 Reconciling Coelho and L-O-G-: Threshold vs. Discretion
• 2.5.2 Contexts Where Prima Facie Eligibility Is Not Explicitly Required (But Should Be Addressed)
• 2.5.3 Building the Prima Facie Record
• 2.6 Standard of Review
• 2.7 Stays of Removal
• 2.7.1 The Governing Principle: No Automatic Stay
• 2.7.2 Automatic Stay: In Absentia Rescission Motions
• 2.7.3 Automatic Stay: VAWA Motions
• 2.7.4 Discretionary Stays Before EOIR
• 2.7.5 DHS Stay Authority
• 2.7.6 Federal Court Stays Pending Judicial Review
• 2.8 Service & Filing Mechanics
• 2.8.1 Service Requirements
• 2.8.2 Filing Locations
• 2.8.3 Electronic Filing
• 2.8.4 Proof of Filing
• 2.9 Strategic Considerations in Multi-Ground Motions
• 2.9.1 Raise All Viable Grounds: The Factual-Consistency Test
• 2.9.2 Pairing Grounds: What Works and Why
• 2.9.3 The Supplement Trap: When a Later Filing Becomes a Separate Motion
• 2.9.4 Structural Requirements for Multi-Ground Presentation

Chapter 3 — In Absentia Motion to Reopen (Improper/Defective Notice)

• 3.1 Purpose of the Motion
• 3.2 Threshold Screening: When This Motion Applies
• 3.3 Strategic Risk Assessment: When NOT to File
• 3.4 Required Documents and Evidence
• 3.5 Affidavit Guidance
• 3.6 Common Failure Points
• 3.7 Strategic Notes

Chapter 4 — In Absentia Motion to Reopen (Exceptional Circumstances)

• 4.1 Purpose of the Motion
• 4.2 Threshold Screening: When This Ground Applies
• 4.3 Strategic Risk Assessment: When NOT to File
• 4.4 Required Documents and Evidence
• 4.5 Affidavit Guidance
• 4.6 Common Failure Points
• 4.7 Strategic Notes

Chapter 5 — Motion to Reopen Based on Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

• 5.1 Purpose of the Motion
• 5.2 Threshold Screening: When This Ground Applies
• 5.3 Strategic Risk Assessment: When NOT to File
• 5.4 Required Documents and Evidence
• 5.5 Affidavit Guidance
• 5.6 Common Failure Points
• 5.7 Strategic Notes
• 5.7.1 Lozada Compliance Standard
• 5.7.2 Prejudice Standard
• 5.7.3 Constitutional Right to Effective Counsel
• 5.7.4 Appellate-Stage Malpractice
• 5.7.5 Post-Departure Filing
• 5.7.6 Notario Fraud

Chapter 6 — VAWA-Based Motions to Reopen

• 6.1 Purpose of the Motion
• 6.2 Threshold Screening: When This Motion Applies
• 6.3 Strategic Risk Assessment: When NOT to File
• 6.4 Required Documents and Evidence
• 6.5 Affidavit Guidance
• 6.6 Common Failure Points
• 6.7 Strategic Notes

Chapter 7 — General Motion to Reopen Based on New & Material Evidence

• 7.1 Purpose of the Motion
• 7.2 Threshold Screening: When This Ground Applies
• 7.3 Strategic Risk Assessment: When NOT to File
• 7.4 Required Documents and Evidence
• 7.5 Affidavit Guidance
• 7.6 Common Failure Points
• 7.7 Strategic Notes
• 7.7.1 General New-Evidence Pathway
• 7.7.2 Changed-Country-Conditions Pathway

Chapter 8 — Sua Sponte Motion to Reopen

• 8.1 Purpose of the Motion
• 8.2 Threshold Screening: When This Motion Applies
• 8.3 Strategic Risk Assessment: When NOT to File
• 8.4 Required Documents and Evidence
• 8.5 Affidavit Guidance
• 8.6 Common Failure Points
• 8.7 Strategic Notes
• 8.7.1 The Exceptional-Situations Line
• 8.7.2 Judicial Reviewability: Know Your Circuit
• 8.7.3 Post-Departure Bar
• 8.7.4 Change in Law as a Sua Sponte Basis

Chapter 9 — Calderon Jimenez JMTRD (Time-Limited Class Action Settlement Framework)

• 9.1 What This Is
• 9.2 Why This Framework Matters
• 9.3 Timing Is Critical
• 9.4 Screening Rules and Submission
• 9.4.1 Eligibility Screening
• 9.4.2 Mandatory Post-Dismissal Pathway and OPLA Request Packet
• 9.4.3 Execution Sequence

Chapter 10 — Evidence Assembly & Filing Mechanics

• 10.1 Lead with Reopening, Not Merits
• 10.2 Filing Sequence
• 10.3 The Evidence Index
• 10.4 Eliminating Internal Contradictions
• 10.5 Documenting Timing and Unavailability
• 10.6 Universal Affidavit Standards
• 10.7 Translations and Foreign Documents
• 10.8 Confidential and Sealed Filings
• 10.9 Assembling Multi-Ground Filings
• 10.10 Pre-Filing Assembly Checklist
• 10.11 Skeletal Motions and Deadline Preservation

Chapter 11 — Filing Fees

• 11.1 Purpose of the Section
• 11.2 Default Rule
• 11.3 Statutory Exceptions to the OBBBA Fee (Only Two)
• 11.4 Fee Table
• 11.5 Fee Waivers — Legal Availability and Practical Risk
• 11.5.1 Presumption of Ability to Pay
• 11.5.2 Filing Form EOIR-26A
• 11.5.3 Financial Evidence Supporting the Waiver
• 11.5.4 Consequences of Fee-Waiver Denial
• 11.5.5 When to Pay the Fee Rather Than Seek a Waiver

Chapter 12 — Companion Templates & Practice Tools

• 12.1 What Is Available
• 12.2 How to Access
• 12.3 A Note on Template Use

Appendix A — Pre-Filing Assembly Checklist

Appendix B — Quick-Reference Motion Matrix

Appendix C — Lozada/Melgar Compliance Checklist

• C.1 Lozada Three-Prong Requirements
• C.1.1 Respondent’s Sworn Affidavit
• C.1.2 Notice to Prior Counsel
• C.1.3 Bar Complaint or Documented Exception
• C.2 Melgar Heightened Scrutiny
• C.3 Circuit-Specific Compliance Check

Table of Authorities

Topical Case Index