On Thursday, May 1, 2025, the Board of Immigration Appeals suspended Attorney Benjamin Kent from practicing law before the Board, Immigration Courts, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Benjamin Kent.”
The decision follows a six-month suspension issued by the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board, effective February 28, 2025. The Board of Immigration Appeals granted a joint petition from the Disciplinary Counsel for the Executive Office for Immigration Review and DHS, filed on April 8, 2025, for Kent’s immediate suspension.
The suspension prohibits Kent from representing clients in immigration-related proceedings before the specified bodies until the disciplinary proceedings are resolved. According to the order, Kent must promptly inform all clients with active cases before the Board, Immigration Courts, or DHS of his suspension in writing. Additionally, he is required to maintain records demonstrating compliance with this notification requirement.
The Board’s decision, outlined in 8 C.F.R. § 1003.103(a)(1) and (4), allows for immediate suspension based on specific grounds, such as a state bar disciplinary action. The order also notes that the Board may reconsider the suspension if Kent demonstrates good cause and if such action aligns with the interest of justice.
The Disposition states:
“The petition is granted. and the respondent is hereby suspended from the practice of law before the Board of Immigration Appeals, the Immigration Courts, and DHS, pending final disposition of this proceeding.”
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
