On Friday, December 20, 2024, the Board of Immigration Appeals reinstated Attorney Augustine Carlos Batara to practice before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). This decision comes after Batara’s suspension from legal practice due to previous disciplinary actions in California.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Augustine Carlos Batara.”
The BIA had initially suspended Batara on September 25, 2024, following the news of his suspension from the California State Bar. A subsequent final order on October 23, 2024, extended this suspension for 60 days, effective from the initial suspension date.
On November 29, 2024, Batara filed a motion seeking reinstatement, asserting that he had regained his authorization to practice law in California. The Disciplinary Counsels representing both the EOIR and DHS submitted a statement indicating they did not oppose his motion.
The BIA, acknowledging the lack of opposition from the Disciplinary Counsels, granted Batara’s motion for reinstatement, effective immediately.
In addition to the reinstatement, the BIA directed that this decision be reflected in any public notices concerning attorney discipline maintained by the EOIR. Furthermore, Batara must file a Notice of Appearance, using the appropriate forms, if he wishes to represent any parties before the DHS, Immigration Courts, or the Board, even in cases where he previously acted as counsel before his suspension.
According to avvo.com, Mr. Batara is an immigration attorney in Hemet, California.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
