Matter of Laparra

In Matter of Laparra, 28 I&N Dec. 425 (BIA 2022), the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) rejected notice-based arguments for rescinding and reopening an in absentia order when the government serves the respondent with a Notice to Appear (NTA) lacking information about a hearing’s time and place as required by Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 239(a)(1). This practice alert provides brief background on the case law relevant to Laparra, describes the Laparra decision and its implications, and provides practice tips for immigration practitioners in light of the decision.