Many immigration cases are decided by immigration courts but are subject to review through an appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and then to federal circuit courts of appeal. Representation by a knowledgeable immigration lawyer is essential for anyone with a matter that involves immigration court, the BIA, or a federal court of appeal. For more than 30 years, Kiang Immigration Law has represented clients in immigration court matters and in appeals from immigration court decisions. Based in Alhambra, California, we serve clients throughout the Greater Los Angeles area and Southern California, across the United States, and around the world.

Our Proven Success in Immigration Court and On Appeal

For a non-U.S. citizen appearing in immigration court, highly effective legal counsel is crucial to successfully navigating the proceedings and any resulting appeal. With more than three decades of immigration law practice, Kiang Immigration Law has established a reputation as a preeminent immigration law firm in the community. Representing clients in immigration courts and appeals is an important part of our comprehensive immigration legal services.

Our attorneys, William Kiang and John Kiang, focus exclusively on immigration law, which enables us to devote our full attention to each client’s immigration needs, including those involving immigration and federal courts. Our record of successfully representing clients in immigration courts, appeal agencies, and federal court illustrates our strong advocacy and litigation abilities. In addition, our dedication to providing the highest level of client service means that our clients always receive personal attention and support throughout the course of an immigration matter.

Immigration Courts

A United States immigration court is an administrative court within the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) of the U.S. Department of Justice. There are numerous individual immigration courts. Immigration judges hear matters at locations throughout the United States.

Individuals who appear in immigration court are not entitled to legal representation if they cannot afford to hire a lawyer, because the courts are administrative, not criminal. There are also many other differences between the operation of immigration courts, federal district courts, and circuit courts of appeal.

Immigration judges hear and resolve immigration issues such as:

• Whether an application for relief from removal (deportation), such as a petition for asylum, or an application for an immigration benefit, such as a green card, should be granted
• Whether a person is admissible, removable, or a U.S. citizen, and whether they should be allowed to remain in the United States
• Whether a detained individual should be allowed to post bond or whether a change to the bond amount should be made

Typically, an immigration court case involves a non-citizen charged with violating immigration law by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Immigration court cases often begin when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issue a Notice to Appear to an individual and then file the Notice with the immigration court. Anyone who receives a Notice to Appear should immediately contact an experienced immigration law attorney.

Appeals from Immigration Court Decisions

A decision by an immigration court judge may be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), which — like the immigration courts — is part of the EOIR in the Justice Department. The BIA is the highest administrative body for interpreting and applying immigration laws. The Board does not conduct hearings or courtroom proceedings but decides cases by reviewing the record of the case created in immigration court. It has nationwide jurisdiction to hear appeals from decisions of immigration judges and district directors of DHS. Most BIA decisions are reviewable by federal courts.

Federal district courts and circuit courts of appeal have jurisdiction to hear immigration cases in specific situations, including appeals from BIA decisions. Federal court appeals and federal district court litigation are serious matters for which representation by experienced legal counsel is essential.

Representation in Immigration Courts and Appeals

Our attorneys at Kiang Immigration Law have decades of experience advising and representing clients in all types of matters handled in the immigration courts, the Board of Immigration Appeals, and federal courts. We excel in both oral and written advocacy at all levels. Our extensive litigation efforts have produced several published court decisions that have profoundly influenced immigration law.

Our record of success includes many cases with complex immigration issues. Regardless of the nature of an immigration issue, our lawyers have the knowledge and skills to provide vigorous representation at all levels for court and appeal matters.