On Thursday, November 14, 2024, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) suspended attorney Vy Thuan Nguyen from practicing before the BIA, Immigration Courts, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This decision follows an earlier order from the State Bar of Texas, which disbarred Nguyen effective May 10, 2024, due to undisclosed disciplinary actions.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Vy Thuan Nguyen.”
The joint petition for Nguyen’s suspension was filed by the Disciplinary Counsel for both the Executive Office for Immigration Review and DHS on October 31, 2024. The BIA granted the petition, citing regulations that permit immediate suspension when an attorney has been disbarred in another jurisdiction. The order emphasizes the need for upholding standards of professional conduct within immigration proceedings.
As part of the suspension, Nguyen is required to inform all clients with pending cases before the BIA, Immigration Courts, or DHS of his disqualification from practice. Furthermore, he must maintain detailed records to demonstrate compliance with the suspension order.
The BIA’s decision aligns with 8 C.F.R. § 1003.103(a)(4), which allows for the immediate suspension of attorneys to protect the integrity of the immigration system. The order includes a provision that, under certain circumstances, the BIA may reconsider the suspension if justified by a showing of good cause.
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.”
According to avvo.com, Ms. Nguyen is a family attorney in Houston, Texas. She attended the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, graduating in 2007.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
