What must be established for an immigration judge to grant relief?

In order for an immigration judge to grant relief, it is essential to establish a valid claim for asylum or other forms of relief. This means that the individual seeking relief must demonstrate eligibility under specific legal standards, such as proving a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. The burden of proof is on the applicant to provide credible evidence supporting their claim for asylum or the specific alternative form of relief they are seeking, such as withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture.

A mere compliance with visa regulations or merely proving grounds for inadmissibility is not sufficient for relief. The judge must evaluate the substantive merits of the individual's claim for asylum or any other form of relief before making a decision. Additionally, consolidation of appeals may pertain to procedural matters but does not directly relate to the criteria for granting relief; it concerns the processes involved in managing and reviewing cases within the immigration system. Therefore, establishing a valid claim for asylum or other forms of relief is the key factor that influences the judge's ability to grant relief.