Plain-English summary
Court says 30-day filing deadline for "final orders of removal" is not jurisdictional for withholding-only BIA decisions
The Court held that a Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) decision denying deferral of removal in a "withholding-only" proceeding is not a "final order of removal" under 8 U.S.C. §1252(b)(1). It vacated the Fourth Circuit judgment and remanded. The opinion clarifies that the 30-day filing deadline in §1252(b)(1) is not an absolute jurisdictional bar in that context.
Why this matters
This decision affects when and how noncitizens can seek federal court review of certain immigration-board decisions. By ruling that withholding-only BIA denials are not "final orders of removal" under §1252(b)(1), the Court preserves judicial review in cases where people were previously blocked by the 30-day deadline. It also clarifies the difference between jurisdictional time limits (which cannot be waived) and procedural deadlines that can be forfeited or excused.
Who may feel it
- Noncitizens in withholding-only immigration proceedings
- Immigration attorneys and advocates
- Federal courts that handle immigration petitions
- Department of Justice and immigration enforcement agencies
Key questions