Appellate Immigration Judge

Executive Office for Immigration Review • Phoenix, AZ

4d

About The Position

This position is in the Board of Immigration Appeals within the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Appellate Immigration Judge reports to a Deputy Chief Appellate Immigration Judge, who reports to the Chief Appellate Immigration Judge. Judges apply immigration laws impartially, humanely, and equitably; treat all parties with respect and dignity; and resolve cases expeditiously under applicable laws, regulations, Department priorities, and policies.

Appellate Immigration Judges conduct formal, quasi-judicial reviews of immigration judges’ determinations in removal and related proceedings and of certain Department of Homeland Security officers’ determinations in visa petition proceedings and other matters. They review appellate records, including briefs, exhibits, and transcripts, and hear oral argument when appropriate. They may concur or dissent. Their work covers removal proceedings, discretionary relief, persecution claims, stays of removal, visa petitions, administrative fines, and bond and detention matters. Most duties involve appellate work, though judges must also be qualified and may be called upon to conduct trial-level proceedings as immigration judges. Their decisions are final, subject to appeal to the Federal courts, and they exercise independent judgment and discretionary powers provided by law.

The initial appointment is for a period not to exceed 24 months in the Excepted Service and is subject to a probationary period. Conversion to a permanent position depends on satisfactory completion of the probationary period and appointment by the Attorney General. Alternative work schedule options are available. Additional positions may be filled from this announcement within 90 days of certificate issuance.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizen or National; dual citizens of the United States and another country are considered case by case.
• Possess an LL.B., J.D., or LL.M. degree.
• Be an active member of the bar, duly licensed and authorized to practice law as an attorney under the laws of a state, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia.
• Have seven years of post-bar-admission experience as a licensed attorney preparing for, participating in, and/or appealing formal hearings or trials involving litigation and/or administrative law at the Federal, State, or local level.
• Qualifying litigation experience must involve cases in which a complaint was filed with a court or a charging document was issued by a court, grand jury, or appropriate military authority; qualifying administrative law experience must involve cases in which a formal procedure was initiated by a governmental administrative body.
• Meet the qualifications by the announcement closing date.
• Complete and receive satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation.
• Meet the applicable Selective Service registration requirement.
• File a financial disclosure statement if selected, in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
• Receive Federal salary by Direct Deposit.
• Meet the DOJ residency requirement: for a total of three years, not necessarily consecutive, during the five years immediately before applying, have resided in the United States, worked overseas for the United States in a Federal or military capacity, or been a dependent of a Federal or military employee serving overseas.

Nice To Haves

• A strong combination of experience demonstrating the competence, impartiality, and professionalism expected of an Appellate Immigration Judge.
• Veterans’ preference eligibility, which the Department of Justice considers a positive factor in hiring.

Responsibilities

• Review determinations of immigration judges in removal and related proceedings and certain DHS officers in visa petition proceedings and other matters.
• Review appellate records, including briefs, exhibits, and transcripts, and hear oral argument when appropriate.
• Apply immigration laws impartially, humanely, and equitably; treat parties with respect and dignity.
• Resolve cases expeditiously in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, Department priorities, and policies.
• Decide matters involving removal proceedings, discretionary relief, claims of persecution, stays of removal, visa petitions, administrative fines, and bond and detention.
• Concur or dissent in cases as warranted by the judge’s view.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretionary powers provided by law in reaching final decisions.
• Be qualified to conduct trial-level proceedings in the role of an immigration judge when called upon.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree