Federal Appeals
IMMIGRATION LAW / FEDERAL APPEALS
We take BIA denials to the federal courts of appeals and we argue them ourselves.
Konare Law represents clients seeking review of immigration decisions in the United States Courts of Appeals. Managing attorney Abdoul Konare personally handles the firm’s oral arguments, with briefs prepared in-house. When the court schedules argument, the lawyer who knows the record stands at the podium.
Our record includes Amaya v. Rosen, 986 F.3d 424 (4th Cir. 2021), a published opinion granting relief in part and remanding for further consideration.
PRACTICE AT A GLANCE · AS OF OCTOBER 2026
*Amaya, Aleman-Medrano and Sanchez-Diaz. A remand returns a matter for further proceedings; it is not a grant of immigration status. Active practice and pending counts reflect the firm’s October 2026 records.
Selected Appellate Matters
The following matters include granted petitions, a partial grant, a remand, a denial and arguments awaiting decision. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
On a small screen, swipe across the table to see all columns.
| Case | Citation / docket | Court | Argument | Outcome / status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaya v. Rosen | 986 F.3d 424; No. 19-1619 | 4th Cir. | Sept. 9, 2020 | Granted in part, denied in part; remanded. Published opinion, Jan. 25, 2021. Opinion PDF |
| Aleman-Medrano v. Garland | No. 20-1821; 2021 U.S. App. LEXIS 32483 | 4th Cir. | Sept. 24, 2021 | Petition granted; remanded. Unpublished opinion, Nov. 1, 2021. Opinion PDF |
| Sanchez-Diaz v. Garland | No. 21-1348 | 4th Cir. | Jan. 24, 2023 | Remanded to BIA by unpublished opinion, Apr. 20, 2023. Opinion PDF |
| Velasquez-Contreras v. Garland | Reargument | 3d Cir. | Aug. 23, 2023 | Petition denied. |
| Urquilla-Osorio v. Bondi (now Blanche) | No. 25-60131 | 5th Cir. | Apr. 29, 2026 | Argued; awaiting decision. Court argument recording |
| Polanco-Maderos v. Blanche | No. 21-1509 | 4th Cir. | Sept. 16, 2026 | Argued; awaiting decision. Court argument audio |
UPCOMING · DECEMBER 2026
Lopez-De Bautista v. Blanche
No. 25-2185 · Fourth Circuit · Richmond
Oral argument scheduled for the December 8–11, 2026 session. This upcoming matter has not yet been argued or decided.
Case summaries available on request
Who We Represent
Clients with a BIA denial
A Board of Immigration Appeals dismissal may be eligible for federal review. We assess the decision, administrative record, legal issues and the court’s authority to hear the case. A petition for review generally must be filed within 30 days of the final removal order. Contact counsel promptly to assess the deadline in your case.
Request a federal appeals consultation
Clients facing imminent removal
A petition for review does not automatically stop removal. We assess and file emergency motions for a stay where appropriate, including in the Third, Fourth, Fifth and Ninth Circuits. The court decides whether to grant a stay.
Call (833) 888-0417 about an urgent removal deadline
Attorneys seeking appellate co-counsel
We take the lead on briefing and oral argument while the referring firm remains involved through decision and any subsequent BIA remand proceedings. Responsibilities and fee arrangements are agreed case by case, subject to applicable professional rules.
Discuss co-counsel with Abdoul Konare
What We Handle
- Petitions for review involving asylum, withholding of removal and Convention Against Torture claims.
- Reviewable legal and constitutional issues in cancellation-of-removal cases, including LPR and non-LPR claims.
- Particular-social-group, family-based group, nexus and social-distinction issues.
- CAT aggregation and official-acquiescence claims; due-process and duty-to-develop-the-record challenges.
- Petitions challenging BIA denials of reopening or reconsideration.
- Emergency stays, rehearing and en banc petitions, and petitions for certiorari in appropriate cases.
How We Build an Appeal
01 · Review the decision
We examine the procedural history, deadlines and administrative record to identify the issues federal review can reach.
02 · Prepare the briefs
Opening and reply briefs and Rule 28(j) letters are written in-house. We verify citations and ground arguments in precise record references.
03 · Present the case
Abdoul Konare handles the firm’s oral arguments. We use the procedural tools appropriate to the case and circuit, from stay motions to rehearing.
About Abdoul Konare
Abdoul A. Konare founded Konare Law in 2011 and leads its appellate practice. He earned his J.D. from Michigan State University College of Law in 2002 and an LL.M. in Securities and Financial Regulation from Georgetown University Law Center in 2003. He is admitted in Michigan and the District of Columbia and before the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Ninth and Eleventh Circuits.
Federal Appeals: Your Questions Answered
Is federal review the same as a BIA appeal?
No. The BIA is an administrative body within the Department of Justice. A petition for review is a separate proceeding in a federal court of appeals. The decision, issues and jurisdictional rules determine what the court can review.
Will the court hear oral argument in every case?
No. The court decides whether to schedule oral argument. Some petitions are decided on the written briefs and record. When the firm argues a case, Abdoul Konare presents the argument.
Do the listed results predict my outcome?
No. Each matter depends on its facts, procedural history and applicable law. A remand means further proceedings, not a guarantee of relief.
If You Received a BIA Decision
Contact us promptly. Provide the decision date and any removal or filing deadline. Do not wait to seek advice while a filing period runs.
Request a consultation · (833) 888-0417
For appellate co-counsel: akonare@konarelaw.com
Headquarters: 5235 Westview Drive, Suite 101, Frederick, Maryland 21703
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own facts. The information on this page is attorney advertising and is not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship. Konare Law PLLC is licensed in the jurisdictions stated above; representation in other jurisdictions is undertaken only on admission pro hac vice.