The Sixth Circuit has emphasized that a petitioner need only show a reasonable probability that but-for his counsel’s substandard conduct, he would have received a different outcome in his removal proceedings. The Board of Immigration Appeals (Board) “required that Kada prove prejudice by showing that his claims necessarily would have succeeded or that he has actually been tortured rather than asking whether he demonstrated a reasonable probability that, but for his counsel’s ineffective assistance, he would have been entitled to remain in the United States. And it failed to treat Kada as it has similarly-situated individuals. As a result, the Board abused its discretion by denying Kada’s motion to reopen.”

The full text of Kada v. Barr can be found here:

https://www.opn.ca6.uscourts.gov/opinions.pdf/20a0014p-06.pdf

Comment