The "categorical analysis," which includes the rules governing divisible statutes and the record of conviction, is perhaps the most important defense tool for noncitizens with criminal records. Practitioners representing such immigrants must have a thorough understanding of this area to adequately defend clients. In the past few years, the Ninth Circuit has published key decisions that greatly expanded the benefits that the categorical analysis provides to immigrants. At the same time, the Attorney General, Board of Immigration Appeals, and a few Ninth Circuit panels, have published decisions that would limit these benefits, and the Supreme Court has accepted certiorari in a case involving one aspect of the analysis, in Nijhawan v. Attorney General (January 16, 2009).

This webinar will discuss the current state of the law, and provide an organized analysis of best practice defense strategies. While providing an overview of the categorical analysis for those new to the area, it will focus on defense arguments, possible government arguments, and how to deal with pending litigation, such as Nijhawan and the Attorney General decision in Matter of Silva-Trevino.

Tuesday, May 19, 10:00 am - 11:30 am PDT

Presenters: Kathy Brady, ILRC and Michael K. Mehr, Law Office of Michael K. Mehr

Fee: $110 Regular / $70 Non-profit / $15 CA IOLTA

To register, visit http://ilrc.org/sem_output.php?id=135

Deadline to register: 5/14/09