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When you or someone you care about is involved in a federal immigration case, it can be very scary. While a small portion of immigration cases do require litigation, many do not. However, if you have reason to believe your case requires litigation, contact a Minneapolis federal immigration litigation lawyer to represent you. This can give you the greatest possible chance of getting a more favorable resolution in your case.
Ronnie Santana, founding attorney of Santana Dhawan PLLC, has experience as both a prosecutor and a criminal defense attorney. Our firm has firsthand experience from both sides of the courtroom and can identify the prosecution’s weakest evidence. Attorney Ronnie Santana knows how to study the case from the prosecutor’s perspective. Our approach is to identify evidence that can be challenged and then used to build a strong defense.
Federal immigration litigation laws are more complex and stricter than ever. In fact, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) reported in the last quarter of 2025 that it received an average of 49,780 immigration cases per month. The federal immigration court backlog is reaching 4 million cases, and they all must be reviewed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The immigration system is so behind on reviewing cases that the U.S. Department of Justice recently hired 42 new immigration judges to combat the growing backlog. This all adds up to an even greater need for a Minneapolis federal immigration litigation lawyer for anyone facing a federal immigration hearing.
Attorney Ronnie Santana not only understands federal immigration litigation laws, but our firm also upholds high standards of accountability and integrity.
If you have a federal immigration litigation case in Minneapolis, you can hire a federal immigration litigation lawyer to assist you by explaining the laws to you, discussing the implications of the case, and representing you in front of the court. There are many reasons a federal immigration litigation case arises. Litigation in these cases is a useful tool in contesting illegal denials, delays, or wrongful detentions.
Not every federal immigration case will require litigation. Many do, though, and federal immigration court proceedings, administrative hearings, and appellate reviews are heard by the U.S. Department of Justice’s EOIR, under the Attorney General’s authority.
The department charged with enforcing immigration laws is the Department of Homeland Security, the DHS. When the DHS charges a noncitizen for a violation of immigration laws at the border, a removal hearing is initiated.
Removal hearings are the most common type of federal immigration litigation hearings. If you are facing a removal hearing, connect with a federal immigration litigation lawyer as soon as possible. There are several different types of immigration court hearings. You should also speak with an attorney if you are facing any of the following types of immigration court hearings listed below:
When cases are filed in federal court against government agencies by individuals who believe they were treated unfairly or that the wrong decision was made in their case, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Immigration Litigation, also called OIL, represents the federal government.
Many of these cases are filed against U.S. Department of Homeland Security agencies. The agencies most likely to be involved in a federal immigration litigation case include U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
When this type of federal immigration litigation case reaches federal court, it is wise not to underestimate the experience and stature of OIL representation. A well-versed Minneapolis federal immigration litigation lawyer is ideal for personal representation in these cases. It is essential that your attorney has an understanding of federal courts’ precedential immigration decisions and is knowledgeable about statutes like those mentioned below.
The three main federal immigration litigation sections in the Justice Manual that guide federal immigration cases against government agencies are listed below:
These sections are blueprints for the Department of Justice, helping it navigate how federal immigration litigation cases are reported, defended, and reviewed within the federal government.
No, states cannot ignore federal immigration law. While states may adopt or decline certain laws, federal immigration laws are not optional. When federal law conflicts with state law, U.S.C. 1103 gives the authority to the federal government when it comes to enforcing immigration violations, and states must adhere to it.
Yes, a federal judge can overrule an immigration judge as long as the immigration judge has state-level jurisdiction. However, this is permissible only after the case has been appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). A hearing is held, and if it is made known that the agency made an error in the case, for example, the decision can be reversed.
Yes, federal courts have limited jurisdiction over immigration cases. Rather than acting as a trial court, the federal court acts as an appellate court. To challenge final court orders of removal, a petition for review can be filed with a federal appellate court. This is, though, only after all else fails in an individual’s appeals. For instance, if an appeal is denied by the BIA, the individual may challenge the ruling in a federal appellate court.
Yes, immigration law does involve litigation, but not in every case. Only certain types of cases, such as appeals against government agency decisions, are allowed. Other situations in which litigation is necessary in immigration proceedings include defending deportation rulings, cases challenging unnecessary and extensive courtroom delays, BIA appeals, and federal-level claims.
Finding the right Minneapolis federal immigration litigation attorney can be overwhelming. No matter your situation, Santana Dhawan PLLC believes everyone deserves to be advocated for. Our Latin roots run deep in the predominantly Latino areas of the Twin Cities, including the East Lake Street corridor, the Phillips and Powderhorn neighborhoods, Bloomington, and St. Paul’s West Side.
Contact our office to schedule a meeting with a top Minneapolis federal immigration litigation lawyer.
At Santana Dhawan, our attorneys understand the weight of your situation and are committed to finding solutions.
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