Why this motion is different
Motions to reopen removal proceedings are normally subject to a filing deadline and a limit on how many may be filed. Asylum-related motions based on changed country conditions are an exception to those limits, which is why they matter for people whose cases closed long ago. The motion must rest on evidence of a material change in the country of nationality or the country of removal that was not available and could not have been presented at the earlier hearing. A change only in your own life, such as a new religion, a marriage, or political activity begun after the hearing, is treated differently from a change in the country, although the two can interact. The motion is filed with the immigration court or the Board of Immigration Appeals, depending on where the case was last decided.
Building the evidence
The evidence has to show both what conditions were at the time of the earlier hearing and how they have changed since, so a before-and-after comparison sits at the center. Reports from governments and human rights organizations, news coverage, and statements from people with direct knowledge can help, along with documents showing how the change affects you specifically. A new asylum application with supporting evidence generally has to accompany the motion. Documents in other languages need complete English translations with a translator's certification. Gather your prior decision, the record from your earlier case if you have it, and any notices you have received since, including any instruction to report for removal.
Removal risk while the motion is pending
Filing this kind of motion does not by itself stop removal, so a separate request for a stay may be needed, especially if ICE has scheduled removal or asked you to report. Contact with ICE should be handled with counsel, and you should not miss a scheduled check-in. We cannot predict whether a motion will be granted; the immigration judge or the Board has discretion, and the standards are demanding. In a first meeting we review your prior case, the country changes you have seen, and your current situation with ICE. Then we decide which evidence to pursue and how urgently the motion and any stay request need to be filed.
