Immigration Appeals & Federal Litigation
The Chander Law Firm represents individuals and businesses in immigration administrative appeals and related federal litigation. Immigration matters often progress through multiple stages, beginning with administrative review and, where necessary, advancing to judicial review in the federal courts.
We provide strategic representation across this continuum, advising clients on administrative appellate remedies, federal court review, and litigation options when agency action is unlawful, delayed, or procedurally defective.
Immigration Administrative Appeals
Many immigration disputes are first reviewed through specialized administrative appellate bodies within the immigration system. We represent clients in immigration administrative appeals before:
The Administrative Appeals Office (AAO)
The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
The Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA)
The Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer (OCAHO)
These appeals arise from a wide range of matters, including employment-based petitions, labor certification determinations, removal proceedings, and employer sanctions cases.
Administrative appeals require careful issue preservation, precise legal briefing, and a clear understanding of how appellate outcomes affect future immigration eligibility, enforcement exposure, and litigation strategy. We approach these matters with close attention to both immediate appellate issues and downstream consequences.
Petitions for Review in the Federal Courts
When administrative remedies are exhausted, certain immigration decisions may be subject to judicial review by the federal courts. We represent clients in petitions for review before the United States Courts of Appeals, including challenges involving:
Errors of law or statutory interpretation
Improper application of governing legal standards
Due process violations in immigration proceedings
Federal appellate review is governed by strict jurisdictional and procedural rules. Successful litigation requires careful coordination between the administrative record and federal court briefing, as well as a clear understanding of the limits of judicial review.
Mandamus and Agency Delay Litigation
In some cases, immigration agencies fail to adjudicate petitions or applications within a reasonable time. Where administrative remedies are unavailable or ineffective, federal court intervention may be appropriate.
We represent clients in mandamus actions and related litigation to address:
Unreasonable delays in adjudication of immigration petitions or applications
Failure by agencies to perform non-discretionary duties
Unlawful withholding or unreasonable delay of agency action
Mandamus litigation requires careful analysis of jurisdiction, timing, venue, and the scope of available relief. We advise clients candidly on whether federal court action is appropriate and how it may affect pending immigration matters.
Administrative Procedure Act (APA) Challenges
Federal agencies are required to act in accordance with governing statutes, regulations, and procedural requirements. We represent clients in challenges brought under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), including claims involving:
Arbitrary or capricious agency decision-making
Improper denials of immigration benefits
Failure to follow required procedures or apply governing law
APA litigation often involves detailed review of administrative records, complex legal briefing, and careful coordination with parallel immigration proceedings.
Habeas Corpus and Immigration Detention
We represent individuals challenging unlawful or prolonged immigration detention through habeas corpus petitions filed in federal court. Habeas relief may be appropriate where detention exceeds statutory or constitutional limits or where meaningful custody review has been denied.
Our habeas practice includes:
Challenges to prolonged or indefinite immigration detention
Review of detention without bond or meaningful custody determinations
Coordination of habeas claims with ongoing removal proceedings
Habeas litigation requires careful jurisdictional analysis and close coordination between immigration court proceedings and federal court review.
Strategic Federal Advocacy
Not every immigration dispute warrants federal court litigation. We advise clients candidly regarding whether administrative appeal, judicial review, or federal litigation is appropriate at each stage of the process. Our approach emphasizes strategic judgment, careful preparation, and clarity throughout administrative and federal proceedings.
Discuss Your Immigration Appeal or Federal Litigation Matter
If you are facing an adverse immigration decision, prolonged agency delay, or unlawful immigration detention, we invite you to contact The Chander Law Firm to discuss whether administrative appeal or federal court review may be appropriate.