The Law Office of
Scott A. Mossman
Advice on the Immigration Consequences of Crime
Removal (Deportation) Defense & Appeals
Immigration & Citizenship Appeals

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The Law Office of
Scott A. Mossman 1611 Telegraph Ave
Suite 1100
Oakland CA 94612

Tel: (510) 835-1115
Fax: (510) 835-1116

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Help For Delayed Immigration Applications

One of the biggest sources of frustration in dealing with the immigration agencies is the slow pace of bureaucratic decision-making. Every case will require a certain amount of waiting, but there is a point where the length of time becomes unreasonable.

If you believe your case has been pending for an unreasonable length of time, I can discuss your options with you. The first option typically is to have an attorney make an inquiry on your behalf. This may result in either a prompt decision or an explanation of the delay.

You often also have the option of filing an action against the immigration agency in federal court (suing them). This type of lawsuit is known as an action for mandamus (alternatively referred to as a petition for a writ of mandamus). An action for mandamus alleges unreasonable delay by the government in performing a duty required by law. Note that this type of action does not require the government to reach a particular result, but only that it make a decision. The success of an action for mandamus generally depends on the length of the delay and the reasons for it.

I have represented clients in mandamus cases before the U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, and Central Districts of California.

Request a Case Evaluation

Scott Mossman's practice is limited to federal immigration law, with an emphasis on removal (deportation) defense, appeals, and federal court litigation. In removal cases, he only represents persons within the Ninth Circuit (Alaska, Arizona, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, the Mariana Islands, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington) and usually only if the hearing will occur, or has occurred, in the San Francisco Immigration Court. That Court has jurisdiction over San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento, and the rest of Northern California from Redding to Bakersfield. Scott Mossman represents persons on appeal to the BIA and Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) in USCIS petition and waiver cases arising throughout the world.

Scott Mossman is a licensed attorney and active member of the State Bar of California.

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