Naturalization

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Delays

The LAC argued in these amicus letter-briefs that the district court erred when it sua sponte dismissed these cases – which challenged agency delays in naturalization under 8 U.S.C. § 1447(b) – for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.

• Abusadeh v. DHS                        S.D. of Texas                        Miscellaneous No. H-06-0337
• Gupta v. Chertoff                        S.D. of Texas                        Miscellaneous No. H-06-0349
• Kee v. FBI                                    S.D. of Texas                        Miscellaneous No. H-06-0351
• Mehmood v. Chertoff                        S.D. of Texas                        Miscellaneous No. H-06-0348

In this amicus brief, the LAC argued that a district court has sole jurisdiction over a naturalization case filed under 8 U.S.C. § 1447(b) as the result of agency delay, and that CIS does not retain concurrent jurisdiction once the § 1447(b) suit is filed.

• Etape v. Chertoff and Rahim v. Caterisano, et al.   4th Circuit   No. 06-1916 and No. 06-1990

Terminating Removal to Pursue Naturalization Before DHS

This amicus brief seeks reversal of the BIA's precedent decision Matter of Acosta Hidalgo, 24 I&N Dec. 103 (BIA 2007). This decision holds that an IJ and the BIA lack jurisdiction to determine prima facie eligibility for naturalization in order to terminate removal proceedings.

• Acosta-Hidalgo v. Mukasey            2nd Circuit                        No. 07-2896