Legal Definitions - Immigration Appeals Board

The Immigration Appeals Board, also known as the Board of Immigration Appeals, is the highest administrative tribunal for matters related to U.S. immigration law. Its main responsibility is to hear appeals from the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

The Board is composed of five permanent members who are appointed by the Attorney General, as well as two immigration judges who serve on a temporary basis. In most cases, a panel of two permanent judges and one temporary judge will hear the appeal.

For example, if an immigrant is denied a visa or faces deportation, they can appeal the decision to the Immigration Appeals Board. The Board will then review the case and make a final decision.

The Immigration Appeals Board plays a crucial role in ensuring that immigrants receive fair treatment under U.S. immigration law. Its decisions can have a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families seeking to enter or remain in the United States.