Lewis v. Holder

This case calls on us to determine whether the BIA’s “reissuance” of a decision triggers a new thirty-day period to obtain judicial review. As set forth below, we hold that it does.

Petitioner Sophia Lewis seeks review of a July 9, 2003 order of the BIA dismissing her appeal of the denial of her application for cancellation of removal. The BIA “reissued” its order on May 12, 2009. In re Lewis, No. A041 350 703 (B.I.A. May 12, 2009).

The facts of this case are not disputed. Lewis, a native and citizen of Jamaica, came to the United States in 1987 as a lawful permanent resident. On June 30, 1994,…