Phagoo v. Holder

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Phagoo v. Holder, 481 F. App'x 11 (2d Cir. 2012)
Gerard, Jon, Lynch, Newman, Pooler, Rosemary

Phagoo v. Holder

Opinion

SUMMARY ORDER

Kirtimati Phagoo, a native and citizen of Guyana, seeks review of a June 21, 2010, order of the BIA affirming the April 2, 2010, decision of Immigration Judge (“IJ”) Sandy K. Horn, which denied Phagoo’s motion to rescind an in absentia deportation order and to re-open her proceedings. In re Phagoo, No. A073-564-910 (B.I.A. June 21, 2010), aff'g No. A73-564-910 (Immig.Ct.N.Y.C. Apr. 2, 2010). We assume the parties’ familiarity with the underlying facts of this case and the arguments raised on appeal.

Under the circumstances of this case, we review the IJ’s decision as the final agency determination. See Li v. Mukasey, 529 F.3d 141, 146 (2d Cir. 2008). “[W]e ... construe [Phagoo’s] motion to rescind the in absentia removal order and to reopen proceedings on the basis of new evidence as comprising two distinct motions, which we review under different substantive standards.” Alrefae v. Chertoff, 471 F.3d 353, 357 (2d Cir. 2006). “When the BIA has applied the correct law, we review the decision to deny a motion to reopen or a motion to rescind for abuse of discretion.” Maghradze v. Gonzales, 462 F.3d 150, 152 (2d Cir. 2006).

In denying Phagoo’s motion to rescind her in absentia deportation order, the IJ did not err in concluding that Phagoo failed to demonstrate that she did not receive proper notice of her deportation proceedings. Even though Phagoo claimed in her affidavit that she never received notice of the proceedings, postal receipts suggested otherwise. Cf. Lopes v. Gonzales, 468 F.3d 81, 85 (2d Cir. 2006) (per curiam).

Moreover, the IJ did not improperly conclude that Phagoo failed to demonstrate “changed country conditions” in Guyana that would have permitted her to file a motion to reopen that would have otherwise been untimely. 8 U.S.C. § 1229a(c)(7)(C)(ii).

Accordingly, the petition for review is DENIED and Phagoo’s motion for a stay is DISMISSED as moot. In addition, Phagoo’s request for oral argument in this case is denied. See Fed. R.App. P. 34(a)(2).

Reference

Full Case Name
Kirtimati PHAGOO, Petitioner, v. Eric H. HOLDER, Jr., United States Attorney General, Respondent
Status
Unpublished