Motion to Reopen Lawyer Anne Arundel County — How to Reopen Your Immigration Case
A Motion to Reopen is a critical legal filing asking an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to reconsider a case after a final order of removal, deportation, or denial. In Anne Arundel County, handling this complex process requires precise legal arguments and adherence to strict deadlines. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
What Is a Motion to Reopen in Immigration Law?
The statutory authority for a Motion to Reopen is found in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and corresponding federal regulations. Specifically, 8 C.F.R. § 1003.23 outlines the rules for motions before immigration judges, while 8 C.F.R. § 1003.2 governs motions before the BIA. A Motion to Reopen asks the court to reexamine its decision based on new facts or evidence that were not available and could not have been discovered or presented at the original hearing.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) | USCIS.gov
Founded in 1997, our firm was established by a former prosecutor who built a practice on detailed, evidence-driven advocacy. This background is essential when constructing a Motion to Reopen, as it requires building a persuasive new factual record for the court.
Official Government Resources
When preparing a Motion to Reopen, it is vital to reference the official sources of immigration law and procedure:
- USCIS Laws and Policy – The official site for immigration forms, policy manuals, and updates.
- Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) – The .gov domain for immigration court procedures, including motion filing deadlines and court locations.
The Anne Arundel County Immigration Court Process for a Motion to Reopen
Filing a Motion to Reopen in the jurisdiction covering Anne Arundel County involves specific procedural steps. The local immigration court operates under the Baltimore Immigration Court’s jurisdiction. A key local procedural fact is that motions must often be filed directly with the court that issued the original order, and strict deadlines apply—typically 90 days for most motions, with limited exceptions. An affordable motion to reopen lawyer Anne Arundel County can help handle these cost-effectively.
- Case Review & Deadline Calculation: Immediately determine the deadline for filing your motion. The 90-day clock starts from the date of the final administrative order.
- Gather New Evidence: Compile all new, material evidence that supports your claim. This evidence must not have been available previously.
- Draft the Legal Motion: Prepare Form EOIR-40, the required form for a Motion to Reopen/Reconsider, along with a detailed legal brief arguing why the new evidence warrants reopening.
- File and Serve: File the motion, supporting evidence, and filing fee (or fee waiver request) with the correct immigration court. Simultaneously, serve a complete copy on the ICE Office of Chief Counsel.
- Monitor and Respond: After filing, monitor the case for a decision or a request for additional evidence from the court or ICE.
Potential Outcomes and Considerations
In Anne Arundel County and the broader Baltimore jurisdiction, a successfully granted Motion to Reopen can vacate a removal order and place you back in proceedings, allowing you to present your full case for relief.
The outcome depends heavily on the strength of the new evidence and the legal arguments presented. A motion to reopen lawyer near me Anne Arundel County can assess the specific facts of your situation.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Authority and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex immigration matters like Motions to Reopen. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to clients in Anne Arundel County and beyond. We focus on building a strong, factual record—a skill honed from our founder’s background as a former prosecutor—which is the cornerstone of any successful motion to reopen.
Seeking a Motion to Reopen Lawyer
If your immigration case has been closed or you have received a final order of removal, acting quickly is essential due to filing deadlines. Our firm has handled numerous motions before the immigration courts and the BIA. We analyze the unique circumstances of each case to identify new evidence or changed country conditions that may support reopening.
For instance, our team has successfully reopened cases based on new, previously unavailable documentation proving family relationships or country condition reports demonstrating a significant change in country circumstances that affects eligibility for asylum or withholding of removal.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Anne Arundel County Immigration Lawyers
If you need a motion to reopen lawyer near me Anne Arundel County, our firm is accessible to clients in the area. We serve individuals in Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Pasadena, and throughout the county.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888) 437-7747 — Meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Motion to Reopen
What is the deadline to file a Motion to Reopen?
It depends. The general deadline is 90 days from the date of the final immigration order. However, there are exceptions for motions to reopen based on changed country conditions or joint motions filed with ICE, which may have different or no time limits.
Can I file a Motion to Reopen if I was deported in absentia?
Yes. If you were ordered removed in absentia (because you missed your hearing), you may file a motion to reopen within 180 days if you can show “exceptional circumstances” for your absence, or at any time if you can prove you did not receive proper notice of the hearing.
What qualifies as “new evidence” for a Motion to Reopen?
New evidence is material facts that were not available and could not have been discovered or presented at the original hearing. Examples include new birth certificates, marriage documents, or updated country condition reports from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of State.
How long does it take to get a decision on a Motion to Reopen?
There is no set timeline. The immigration court or BIA has broad discretion. Decisions can take several months to over a year. The court may also request additional briefing or evidence, which can extend the timeline further.
Can I work while my Motion to Reopen is pending?
It depends. Filing a motion does not automatically grant work authorization. You may need to file a separate application for employment authorization (Form I-765) if the reopened case places you in a status or category that is eligible for work permits.