The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA or Board) is the highest administrative body for interpreting and applying United States immigration laws. The BIA is authorized 23 Appellate Immigration Judges, including a Chief Appellate Immigration Judge and one or two Deputy Chief Appellate Immigration Judges.
Primarily, the BIA reviews appeals from certain decisions that immigration judges and district directors of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) render, ensuring that the immigration laws receive fair and uniform application. The BIA decides each appeal on a case-by-case basis, affording each case the necessary time and consideration to ensure fairness.
BIA decisions are binding on all immigration judges and DHS officers. Certain BIA decisions are designated for publication in the Administrative Decisions Under Immigration and Nationality Laws of the United States.