Motions for a Continuance

This Practice Advisory provides a practitioner-focused overview of motions to continue a case in removal proceedings, from the basics of making a continuance motion to jurisdictional bars to appellate review of continuances. It provides an overview of continuance practice in immigration court, summarizing guidance from the Executive Office for Immigration Review discouraging the use of continuances and case law establishing scenarios where continuances are appropriate. It also sets forth strategies for responding to government opposition to continuances and the Attorney General’s decision in Matter of L-A-B-R-.