Background
Leke Dodaj, a lawful permanent resident, was found removable due to a firearms offense and two crimes involving moral turpitude. The Immigration Judge initially granted him cancellation of removal based on family hardships, but the Board reversed this decision.
The court’s reasoning
The court reviewed the Board’s decision and found that it did not abuse its discretion in weighing the factors against Dodaj’s criminal history. The court noted that it lacked jurisdiction to review discretionary decisions regarding cancellation of removal.
The Board’s comments about the ‘nature’ and ‘seriousness’ of his criminal record are intended to frame and weigh the IJ’s facts, not find new facts.
What it means going forward
Dodaj remains in detention and is ordered to be removed to Albania.