What is the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)?

The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) serves as the appellate court for immigration proceedings. It plays a critical role within the U.S. immigration system, specifically in reviewing decisions made by immigration judges and certain decisions made by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The BIA primarily addresses appeals concerning removal, adjustment of status, and other immigration-related matters to ensure that the decisions comply with immigration law and regulations.

By functioning as an appellate body, the BIA allows parties who disagree with an immigration judge’s ruling to seek further review, thus providing a level of judicial oversight. This process is vital for upholding the rights of individuals involved in immigration matters and for standardizing interpretations of immigration laws across various jurisdictions.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately describe the role of the BIA. It is not a court for criminal appeals, nor does it operate as a federal court for civil litigation or an agency handling visa applications. These distinctions are essential to understand the unique function of the BIA within the immigration legal framework.