The Messersmith Law Firm, P.A. U.S. Immigration Law
INA237.com Removal Defense · NTAs · Immigration Court
Advanced Motions to Reopen and Reconsider

Prima Facie Eligibility and INS v. Abudu in Motions to Reopen

INS v. Abudu recognizes failure to establish a prima facie case for the underlying relief as a basis for denying reopening. This page addresses filing, evidence, exceptions, and current EOIR practice.

Reviewed by Peter Messersmith September 17, 2026
Direct Answer

INS v. Abudu recognizes failure to establish a prima facie case for the underlying relief as a basis for denying reopening. Abudu separately recognizes failure to present previously unavailable material evidence as a basis for denial. For discretionary relief, Abudu also recognizes agency discretion to deny reopening based on the discretionary posture.

Core Standard

Abudu prima-facie standard core standard starts with the final order. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard identifies the current tribunal. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard applies this rule: INS v. Abudu recognizes failure to establish a prima facie case for the underlying relief as a basis for denying reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard checks every prior motion. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard states the requested remedy. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard separates reopening from reconsideration. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard identifies any claimed exception.

Abudu prima-facie standard core standard uses evidence tied to procedure. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard avoids unsupported factual assertions. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard applies this additional rule: For discretionary relief, Abudu also recognizes agency discretion to deny reopening based on the discretionary posture. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard cites affidavits and exhibits precisely. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard explains prior unavailability when required. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard addresses contrary record material. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard connects procedure to requested relief.

Abudu prima-facie standard core standard should produce a reviewable ruling. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard preserves timeliness disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard preserves numerical-limit disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard applies this preservation rule: The motion should map each relief element to evidence submitted with the motion. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard records the DHS position. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard requests findings on disputed requirements. Abudu prima-facie standard core standard treats any stay separately.

Authority

Abudu prima-facie standard authority starts with the final order. Abudu prima-facie standard authority identifies the current tribunal. Abudu prima-facie standard authority applies this rule: Abudu separately recognizes failure to present previously unavailable material evidence as a basis for denial. Abudu prima-facie standard authority checks every prior motion. Abudu prima-facie standard authority states the requested remedy. Abudu prima-facie standard authority separates reopening from reconsideration. Abudu prima-facie standard authority identifies any claimed exception.

Abudu prima-facie standard authority uses evidence tied to procedure. Abudu prima-facie standard authority avoids unsupported factual assertions. Abudu prima-facie standard authority applies this additional rule: Prima facie eligibility is not the same as final entitlement after reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard authority cites affidavits and exhibits precisely. Abudu prima-facie standard authority explains prior unavailability when required. Abudu prima-facie standard authority addresses contrary record material. Abudu prima-facie standard authority connects procedure to requested relief.

Abudu prima-facie standard authority should produce a reviewable ruling. Abudu prima-facie standard authority preserves timeliness disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard authority preserves numerical-limit disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard authority applies this preservation rule: INS v. Abudu recognizes failure to establish a prima facie case for the underlying relief as a basis for denying reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard authority records the DHS position. Abudu prima-facie standard authority requests findings on disputed requirements. Abudu prima-facie standard authority treats any stay separately.

Forum

Abudu prima-facie standard forum starts with the final order. Abudu prima-facie standard forum identifies the current tribunal. Abudu prima-facie standard forum applies this rule: For discretionary relief, Abudu also recognizes agency discretion to deny reopening based on the discretionary posture. Abudu prima-facie standard forum checks every prior motion. Abudu prima-facie standard forum states the requested remedy. Abudu prima-facie standard forum separates reopening from reconsideration. Abudu prima-facie standard forum identifies any claimed exception.

Abudu prima-facie standard forum uses evidence tied to procedure. Abudu prima-facie standard forum avoids unsupported factual assertions. Abudu prima-facie standard forum applies this additional rule: The motion should map each relief element to evidence submitted with the motion. Abudu prima-facie standard forum cites affidavits and exhibits precisely. Abudu prima-facie standard forum explains prior unavailability when required. Abudu prima-facie standard forum addresses contrary record material. Abudu prima-facie standard forum connects procedure to requested relief.

Abudu prima-facie standard forum should produce a reviewable ruling. Abudu prima-facie standard forum preserves timeliness disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard forum preserves numerical-limit disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard forum applies this preservation rule: Abudu separately recognizes failure to present previously unavailable material evidence as a basis for denial. Abudu prima-facie standard forum records the DHS position. Abudu prima-facie standard forum requests findings on disputed requirements. Abudu prima-facie standard forum treats any stay separately.

Deadline

Abudu prima-facie standard deadline starts with the final order. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline identifies the current tribunal. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline applies this rule: Prima facie eligibility is not the same as final entitlement after reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline checks every prior motion. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline states the requested remedy. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline separates reopening from reconsideration. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline identifies any claimed exception.

Abudu prima-facie standard deadline uses evidence tied to procedure. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline avoids unsupported factual assertions. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline applies this additional rule: INS v. Abudu recognizes failure to establish a prima facie case for the underlying relief as a basis for denying reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline cites affidavits and exhibits precisely. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline explains prior unavailability when required. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline addresses contrary record material. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline connects procedure to requested relief.

Abudu prima-facie standard deadline should produce a reviewable ruling. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline preserves timeliness disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline preserves numerical-limit disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline applies this preservation rule: For discretionary relief, Abudu also recognizes agency discretion to deny reopening based on the discretionary posture. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline records the DHS position. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline requests findings on disputed requirements. Abudu prima-facie standard deadline treats any stay separately.

Number Rule

Abudu prima-facie standard number rule starts with the final order. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule identifies the current tribunal. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule applies this rule: The motion should map each relief element to evidence submitted with the motion. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule checks every prior motion. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule states the requested remedy. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule separates reopening from reconsideration. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule identifies any claimed exception.

Abudu prima-facie standard number rule uses evidence tied to procedure. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule avoids unsupported factual assertions. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule applies this additional rule: Abudu separately recognizes failure to present previously unavailable material evidence as a basis for denial. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule cites affidavits and exhibits precisely. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule explains prior unavailability when required. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule addresses contrary record material. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule connects procedure to requested relief.

Abudu prima-facie standard number rule should produce a reviewable ruling. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule preserves timeliness disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule preserves numerical-limit disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule applies this preservation rule: Prima facie eligibility is not the same as final entitlement after reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule records the DHS position. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule requests findings on disputed requirements. Abudu prima-facie standard number rule treats any stay separately.

Evidence

Abudu prima-facie standard evidence starts with the final order. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence identifies the current tribunal. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence applies this rule: INS v. Abudu recognizes failure to establish a prima facie case for the underlying relief as a basis for denying reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence checks every prior motion. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence states the requested remedy. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence separates reopening from reconsideration. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence identifies any claimed exception.

Abudu prima-facie standard evidence uses evidence tied to procedure. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence avoids unsupported factual assertions. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence applies this additional rule: For discretionary relief, Abudu also recognizes agency discretion to deny reopening based on the discretionary posture. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence cites affidavits and exhibits precisely. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence explains prior unavailability when required. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence addresses contrary record material. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence connects procedure to requested relief.

Abudu prima-facie standard evidence should produce a reviewable ruling. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence preserves timeliness disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence preserves numerical-limit disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence applies this preservation rule: The motion should map each relief element to evidence submitted with the motion. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence records the DHS position. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence requests findings on disputed requirements. Abudu prima-facie standard evidence treats any stay separately.

Materiality

Abudu prima-facie standard materiality starts with the final order. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality identifies the current tribunal. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality applies this rule: Abudu separately recognizes failure to present previously unavailable material evidence as a basis for denial. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality checks every prior motion. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality states the requested remedy. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality separates reopening from reconsideration. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality identifies any claimed exception.

Abudu prima-facie standard materiality uses evidence tied to procedure. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality avoids unsupported factual assertions. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality applies this additional rule: Prima facie eligibility is not the same as final entitlement after reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality cites affidavits and exhibits precisely. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality explains prior unavailability when required. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality addresses contrary record material. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality connects procedure to requested relief.

Abudu prima-facie standard materiality should produce a reviewable ruling. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality preserves timeliness disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality preserves numerical-limit disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality applies this preservation rule: INS v. Abudu recognizes failure to establish a prima facie case for the underlying relief as a basis for denying reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality records the DHS position. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality requests findings on disputed requirements. Abudu prima-facie standard materiality treats any stay separately.

Exceptions

Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions starts with the final order. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions identifies the current tribunal. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions applies this rule: For discretionary relief, Abudu also recognizes agency discretion to deny reopening based on the discretionary posture. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions checks every prior motion. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions states the requested remedy. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions separates reopening from reconsideration. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions identifies any claimed exception.

Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions uses evidence tied to procedure. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions avoids unsupported factual assertions. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions applies this additional rule: The motion should map each relief element to evidence submitted with the motion. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions cites affidavits and exhibits precisely. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions explains prior unavailability when required. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions addresses contrary record material. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions connects procedure to requested relief.

Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions should produce a reviewable ruling. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions preserves timeliness disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions preserves numerical-limit disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions applies this preservation rule: Abudu separately recognizes failure to present previously unavailable material evidence as a basis for denial. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions records the DHS position. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions requests findings on disputed requirements. Abudu prima-facie standard exceptions treats any stay separately.

DHS Response

Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response starts with the final order. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response identifies the current tribunal. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response applies this rule: Prima facie eligibility is not the same as final entitlement after reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response checks every prior motion. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response states the requested remedy. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response separates reopening from reconsideration. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response identifies any claimed exception.

Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response uses evidence tied to procedure. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response avoids unsupported factual assertions. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response applies this additional rule: INS v. Abudu recognizes failure to establish a prima facie case for the underlying relief as a basis for denying reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response cites affidavits and exhibits precisely. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response explains prior unavailability when required. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response addresses contrary record material. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response connects procedure to requested relief.

Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response should produce a reviewable ruling. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response preserves timeliness disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response preserves numerical-limit disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response applies this preservation rule: For discretionary relief, Abudu also recognizes agency discretion to deny reopening based on the discretionary posture. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response records the DHS position. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response requests findings on disputed requirements. Abudu prima-facie standard dhs response treats any stay separately.

Respondent Proof

Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof starts with the final order. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof identifies the current tribunal. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof applies this rule: The motion should map each relief element to evidence submitted with the motion. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof checks every prior motion. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof states the requested remedy. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof separates reopening from reconsideration. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof identifies any claimed exception.

Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof uses evidence tied to procedure. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof avoids unsupported factual assertions. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof applies this additional rule: Abudu separately recognizes failure to present previously unavailable material evidence as a basis for denial. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof cites affidavits and exhibits precisely. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof explains prior unavailability when required. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof addresses contrary record material. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof connects procedure to requested relief.

Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof should produce a reviewable ruling. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof preserves timeliness disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof preserves numerical-limit disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof applies this preservation rule: Prima facie eligibility is not the same as final entitlement after reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof records the DHS position. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof requests findings on disputed requirements. Abudu prima-facie standard respondent proof treats any stay separately.

Drafting

Abudu prima-facie standard drafting starts with the final order. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting identifies the current tribunal. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting applies this rule: INS v. Abudu recognizes failure to establish a prima facie case for the underlying relief as a basis for denying reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting checks every prior motion. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting states the requested remedy. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting separates reopening from reconsideration. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting identifies any claimed exception.

Abudu prima-facie standard drafting uses evidence tied to procedure. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting avoids unsupported factual assertions. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting applies this additional rule: For discretionary relief, Abudu also recognizes agency discretion to deny reopening based on the discretionary posture. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting cites affidavits and exhibits precisely. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting explains prior unavailability when required. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting addresses contrary record material. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting connects procedure to requested relief.

Abudu prima-facie standard drafting should produce a reviewable ruling. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting preserves timeliness disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting preserves numerical-limit disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting applies this preservation rule: The motion should map each relief element to evidence submitted with the motion. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting records the DHS position. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting requests findings on disputed requirements. Abudu prima-facie standard drafting treats any stay separately.

Stay Issues

Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues starts with the final order. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues identifies the current tribunal. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues applies this rule: Abudu separately recognizes failure to present previously unavailable material evidence as a basis for denial. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues checks every prior motion. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues states the requested remedy. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues separates reopening from reconsideration. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues identifies any claimed exception.

Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues uses evidence tied to procedure. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues avoids unsupported factual assertions. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues applies this additional rule: Prima facie eligibility is not the same as final entitlement after reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues cites affidavits and exhibits precisely. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues explains prior unavailability when required. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues addresses contrary record material. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues connects procedure to requested relief.

Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues should produce a reviewable ruling. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues preserves timeliness disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues preserves numerical-limit disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues applies this preservation rule: INS v. Abudu recognizes failure to establish a prima facie case for the underlying relief as a basis for denying reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues records the DHS position. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues requests findings on disputed requirements. Abudu prima-facie standard stay issues treats any stay separately.

Relief Effect

Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect starts with the final order. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect identifies the current tribunal. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect applies this rule: For discretionary relief, Abudu also recognizes agency discretion to deny reopening based on the discretionary posture. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect checks every prior motion. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect states the requested remedy. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect separates reopening from reconsideration. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect identifies any claimed exception.

Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect uses evidence tied to procedure. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect avoids unsupported factual assertions. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect applies this additional rule: The motion should map each relief element to evidence submitted with the motion. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect cites affidavits and exhibits precisely. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect explains prior unavailability when required. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect addresses contrary record material. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect connects procedure to requested relief.

Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect should produce a reviewable ruling. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect preserves timeliness disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect preserves numerical-limit disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect applies this preservation rule: Abudu separately recognizes failure to present previously unavailable material evidence as a basis for denial. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect records the DHS position. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect requests findings on disputed requirements. Abudu prima-facie standard relief effect treats any stay separately.

Review

Abudu prima-facie standard review starts with the final order. Abudu prima-facie standard review identifies the current tribunal. Abudu prima-facie standard review applies this rule: Prima facie eligibility is not the same as final entitlement after reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard review checks every prior motion. Abudu prima-facie standard review states the requested remedy. Abudu prima-facie standard review separates reopening from reconsideration. Abudu prima-facie standard review identifies any claimed exception.

Abudu prima-facie standard review uses evidence tied to procedure. Abudu prima-facie standard review avoids unsupported factual assertions. Abudu prima-facie standard review applies this additional rule: INS v. Abudu recognizes failure to establish a prima facie case for the underlying relief as a basis for denying reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard review cites affidavits and exhibits precisely. Abudu prima-facie standard review explains prior unavailability when required. Abudu prima-facie standard review addresses contrary record material. Abudu prima-facie standard review connects procedure to requested relief.

Abudu prima-facie standard review should produce a reviewable ruling. Abudu prima-facie standard review preserves timeliness disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard review preserves numerical-limit disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard review applies this preservation rule: For discretionary relief, Abudu also recognizes agency discretion to deny reopening based on the discretionary posture. Abudu prima-facie standard review records the DHS position. Abudu prima-facie standard review requests findings on disputed requirements. Abudu prima-facie standard review treats any stay separately.

Checklist

Abudu prima-facie standard checklist starts with the final order. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist identifies the current tribunal. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist applies this rule: The motion should map each relief element to evidence submitted with the motion. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist checks every prior motion. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist states the requested remedy. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist separates reopening from reconsideration. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist identifies any claimed exception.

Abudu prima-facie standard checklist uses evidence tied to procedure. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist avoids unsupported factual assertions. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist applies this additional rule: Abudu separately recognizes failure to present previously unavailable material evidence as a basis for denial. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist cites affidavits and exhibits precisely. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist explains prior unavailability when required. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist addresses contrary record material. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist connects procedure to requested relief.

Abudu prima-facie standard checklist should produce a reviewable ruling. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist preserves timeliness disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist preserves numerical-limit disputes. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist applies this preservation rule: Prima facie eligibility is not the same as final entitlement after reopening. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist records the DHS position. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist requests findings on disputed requirements. Abudu prima-facie standard checklist treats any stay separately.

Primary Legal Authorities and Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the central rule for INS v Abudu prima facie motion reopen?
Abudu prima-facie standard follows this rule: INS v. Abudu recognizes failure to establish a prima facie case for the underlying relief as a basis for denying reopening.
What deadline matters for INS v Abudu prima facie motion reopen?
Abudu prima-facie standard requires separate analysis of the ordinary 90-day reopening deadline, the 30-day reconsideration deadline, and any exception actually invoked.
What evidence matters for INS v Abudu prima facie motion reopen?
Abudu prima-facie standard uses evidence tied to the governing procedural requirement; reopening ordinarily depends on supported new facts while reconsideration ordinarily relies on the existing record.
Does INS v Abudu prima facie motion reopen automatically stay removal?
No. Abudu prima-facie standard does not itself create an automatic stay; a separate stay request may be necessary.
Can equitable tolling solve every limit affecting INS v Abudu prima facie motion reopen?
No. Abudu prima-facie standard must distinguish the time bar from the number bar, and Matter of M-M-L-J- holds that equitable tolling does not apply to the statutory number bar.
How should INS v Abudu prima facie motion reopen be preserved for review?
Abudu prima-facie standard should preserve forum, deadline, prior motions, exceptions, evidence, the DHS response, and the adjudicator's ruling.
Case Evaluation

Need Help With a Removal Case?

If you have an NTA, immigration court notice, USCIS denial, ICE document, or criminal record relevant to possible removability, keep a complete copy available for review.

Request a Consultation