New York Immigration Judge Participates in Naturalization Ceremony

NEW YORK -- Immigration Judge Javier Balasquide from the Executive Office for Immigration Review, New York Immigration Court, delivered the keynote speech and administered the oath of allegiance to approximately 150 candidates during a naturalization ceremony at 26 Federal Plaza in New York on April 5, 2013. The New York District Office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, hosted the ceremony.

Biographical Information

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales appointed Judge Balasquide in July 2006. Judge Balasquide received a bachelor of arts degree in 1988 from the University of Delaware and a juris doctorate in 1991 from the Interamerican University School of Law. From March 2003 to July 2006, he served as chief counsel at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in Arlington, Va. From February 1999 to March 2003, he served at the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in Arlington and Falls Church, Va., in various capacities, including district counsel, appellate counsel, and assistant district counsel. From November 1991 to February 1999, Judge Balasquide served as an assistant district counsel for INS in Miami, entering on duty through the Attorney General=s Honors Program. Judge Balasquide is a member of the Puerto Rican Bar.

- EOIR -

The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) is an agency within the Department of Justice. Under delegated authority from the Attorney General, immigration judges and the Board of Immigration Appeals interpret and adjudicate immigration cases according to United States immigration laws. EOIR’s immigration judges conduct administrative court proceedings in immigration courts located throughout the nation. They determine whether foreign-born individuals—whom the Department of Homeland Security charges with violating immigration law—should be ordered removed from the United States or should be granted relief from removal and be permitted to remain in this country. The Board of Immigration Appeals primarily reviews appeals of decisions by immigration judges. EOIR’s Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer adjudicates immigration-related employment cases. EOIR is committed to ensuring fairness in all of the cases it adjudicates.