Motion to Reopen Lawyer Anacostia, DC
If you or a family member is in immigration removal proceedings and an order has been entered against you, a motion to reopen may be an avenue to seek relief. Anacostia residents and other Washington, D.C., residents whose removal cases are heard at the Arlington Immigration Court may have a basis to ask the immigration judge to reconsider or reopen proceedings. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent individuals in motions to reopen before the immigration court. Reach our firm at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.
What a Motion to Reopen Means for Immigration Cases in Anacostia
In immigration law, a motion to reopen is a formal request asking an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals to revisit a case that was previously decided. The motion is based on new facts or evidence that were not available at the time of the original hearing. For example, if an individual in Anacostia received an in absentia removal order because they did not receive proper notice of the hearing, or if changed circumstances in their home country now support an asylum claim, a motion to reopen may be filed. The procedure is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act and regulations of the Executive Office for Immigration Review.
Because immigration case processing is federal, Anacostia residents are not affected by local court rules in the same way as state‑court matters. Removal proceedings for anyone living in the District of Columbia are held at the Arlington Immigration Court, located just across the Potomac River at 1901 South Bell Street, Arlington, Virginia 22202. Affirmative applications—such as adjustment of status or naturalization—are handled by the USCIS Washington District Office in Fairfax, Virginia. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are experienced in appearing before the Arlington Immigration Court and in preparing motions to reopen for clients in Anacostia and throughout the District.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Motions to Reopen
When Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel take on a motion to reopen, they begin by evaluating the underlying removal order and the reasons it was entered. Whether the client missed a hearing, was not properly served with notice, or has new evidence that could change the outcome, the team examines the factual and legal basis for reopening. They then prepare a motion that addresses the applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, including the filing deadline and the need to show that the new evidence is material and was not previously available.
The motion is filed with the immigration court or the Board of Immigration Appeals, depending on where the case is pending. The team ensures that all supporting evidence—such as affidavits, country‑condition reports, or medical records—is properly documented and submitted. Throughout the process, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel keep the client informed about what to expect and how the motion may affect other aspects of their immigration case, such as any pending applications for relief. The timeline for a decision varies; the court considers the motion on its own calendar and may schedule a hearing if warranted.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced immigration law since the firm was founded in 1997. He is a former prosecutor and has represented clients in immigration matters across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background includes extensive experience in federal immigration court and before the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Mr. Sris is joined by Of Counsel attorneys who bring extensive combined legal experience to the firm’s immigration practice. The Of Counsel team assists in preparing motions, gathering evidence, and appearing at hearings. Together, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to help individuals in Anacostia and the surrounding areas pursue relief through motions to reopen and other immigration remedies. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motions to Reopen in Anacostia
What is a motion to reopen in immigration proceedings?
A motion to reopen is a request to an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals to reconsider a prior decision based on new facts or evidence that were not previously available. It is not an appeal of the earlier ruling; instead, it asks the court to examine fresh information that could change the outcome. Examples include new evidence of persecution in the home country, the discovery that proper notice of the hearing was not given, or a change in eligibility for a form of relief. The motion must be filed within the time limits set by statute and regulations.
When can I file a motion to reopen after an in absentia removal order?
If you were ordered removed in absentia—meaning you did not appear at your hearing—you may file a motion to reopen at any time if you can show that you did not receive proper notice of the hearing or that exceptional circumstances prevented you from attending. Otherwise, the motion generally must be filed within a statutory deadline that starts from the date of the order. Because missing the deadline can forfeit the right to seek reopening, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can assess whether the notice was deficient or whether other grounds for reopening exist.
What is the difference between a motion to reopen and a motion to reconsider?
A motion to reopen is based on new facts or evidence, while a motion to reconsider argues that the original decision was legally or factually incorrect based on the evidence already in the record. A motion to reconsider does not introduce new material; instead, it claims that the immigration judge misapplied the law or overlooked significant evidence. Both are post‑decision remedies, but they serve different purposes and are subject to distinct filing deadlines. In some cases, a party may file both motions together if the circumstances warrant.
How does an Anacostia resident file a motion to reopen?
Anacostia residents file a motion to reopen with the immigration court that issued the removal order—usually the Arlington Immigration Court—or with the Board of Immigration Appeals if the case is on appeal. The motion must be in writing, signed, and accompanied by a filing fee or a fee‑waiver request, unless an exception applies. It must state the new facts to be proven and include supporting documentation. Because the procedural rules can be complex, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel regularly prepare and file these motions for clients in the District of Columbia. To discuss the specifics, reach our firm at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need an attorney to file a motion to reopen?
You are not legally required to have an attorney to file a motion to reopen, but representation can improve the prospects of success. Motions to reopen must meet strict legal standards and are often denied when filed without proper support. An experienced immigration lawyer can help determine whether you have viable grounds, gather the necessary evidence, draft the motion, and ensure it complies with all filing requirements. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel offer consultations to evaluate your case and explain your options.
What supporting evidence should I include with my motion to reopen?
The evidence you include depends on the grounds for your motion, but common categories are affidavits, country‑condition reports, medical records, and proof that you did not receive proper hearing notice. If you are seeking reopening because of changed country circumstances, current U.S. State Department reports or news articles about conditions in your home country can be submitted. For in absentia orders, evidence of your residential address at the time the notice was sent may be required. An attorney can identify the specific documentation needed and help you obtain and authenticate it.
For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Washington, D.C. Immigration Lawyer |
Georgetown Immigration Lawyer |
Capitol Hill Immigration Lawyer |
Anacostia Immigration Lawyer
Primary sources for immigration procedure:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services |
Executive Office for Immigration Review |
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.)
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Results may vary.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.