Cite as 25 I&N Dec. 474 (BIA 2011) Interim Decision #3711
474
Matter of M-A-M-, Respondent
Decided May 4, 2011
U.S. Department of Justice
Executive Office for Immigration Review
Board of Immigration Appeals
(1) Aliens in immigration proceedings are presumed to be competent and, if there are
no indicia of incompetency in a case, no further inquiry regarding competency is required.
(2) The test for determining whether an alien is competent to participate in immigration
proceedings is whether he or she has a rational and factual understanding of the nature and
object of the proceedings, can consult with the attorney or representative if there is one,
and has a reasonable opportunity to examine and present evidence and cross-examine
witnesses.
(3) If there are indicia of incompetency, the Immigration Judge must make further inquiry
to determine whether the alien is competent for purposes of immigration proceedings.
(4) If the alien lacks sufficient competency to proceed, the Immigration Judge will evaluate
appropriate safeguards.
(5) Immigration Judges must articulate the rationale for their decisions regarding
competency issues.
FOR RESPONDENT: Janet B. Beck, Esquire, Houston, Texas
FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY: Elliot Selle, Assistant Chief
Counsel
BEFORE: Board Panel: NEAL, Acting Chairman; GREER, Board Member; and
KENDALL CLARK, Temporary Board Member.
GREER, Board Member:
In a decision dated June 16, 2010, an Immigration Judge found the
respondent removable under sections 237(a)(2)(A)(ii) and (B)(i) of the
Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §§ 1227(a)(2)(A)(ii) and (B)(i)
(2006), and concluded that he is ineligible for relief from removal. The
respondent has appealed from that decision and has submitted a motion
to remand, arguing, in part, that the Immigration Judge did not assess his
mental competency. In this decision, we set forth a framework for
Immigration Judges to determine whether a respondent is sufficientlyCite as 25 I&N Dec. 474 (BIA 2011) Interim Decision #3711
475
competent to proceed and whether the application of safeguards is warranted.
The record will be remanded to the Immigration Judge.
I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
The respondent is a native and citizen of Jamaica who was admitted
to the United States as a lawful permanent resident on February 19, 1971,
when he was 10 years old. On July 31, 2008, the Department of Homeland
Security (“DHS”) served the respondent with a Notice to Appear (Form I-862),
charging that he is removable under section 237(a)(2)(A)(ii) of the Act on the
basis of his conviction for two or more crimes involving moral turpitude. The
DHS subsequently amended the allegations and lodged additional charges,
charging the respondent with removability under section 237(a)(2)(B)(i) of the
Act, as an alien convicted of a controlled substance violation, and under
section 237(a)(2)(A)(iii), as an alien convicted of a drug-trafficking aggravated
felony pursuant to section 101(a)(43)(B) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(43)(B)
(2006).
When the respondent first appeared before an Immigration Judge for
a master calendar hearing on September 14, 2009, he had difficulty answering
basic questions, such as his name and date of birth, and he told the
Immigration Judge that he had been diagnosed with schizophrenia. He also
indicated that he needed medication. At the second hearing, on October 21,
2009, the respondent indicated that he had a history of mental illness that was
not being treated in detention. The respondent requested a change of venue
to be closer to his attorney and family, but the request was denied. Additional
hearings were held on November 4, 2009, December 7, 2009, January 25,
2010, and April 1, 2010. During those hearings, further reference was made
to the respondent’s mental illness and he asked to see a psychiatrist.
On June 16, 2010, a different Immigration Judge convened the final merits
hearing. At that time, psychiatric evaluations and reports about the respondent
from New York State’s Office of Mental Health were included in the record.
The Immigration Judge asked the respondent about his mental health and
treatment. Specifically, the Immigration Judge asked the respondent whether
he was able to proceed with the hearing, and the respondent answered that
he would do the best he could.
Initially, the respondent indicated that he could not represent himself but,
upon further questioning by the Immigration Judge, said he “believed” that he
could answer the questions put to him by the Immigration Judge and the DHS
attorney. The Immigration Judge proceeded with the merits hearing, asking
the respondent questions about his entry into the United States, his criminal
convictions, and his fear of returning to Jamaica. Throughout the proceedings,
the respondent appeared pro se. Cite as 25 I&N Dec. 474 (BIA 2011) Interim Decision #3711
1 Our analysis is largely consistent with agency practice as reflected
in the Immigration Judge Benchbook. Immigration Judge Benchbook, Introductory Guides,
Mental Health Issues, http://www.justice.gov/eoir/vll/benchbook/tools/MHI/.
476
In her decision, the Immigration Judge summarized the respondent’s mental
health history but did not make an explicit finding regarding his mental
competency. The Immigration Judge found the respondent removable on the
charges relating to his convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude and
controlled substance violations, but not on the aggravated felony charge. The
Immigration Judge denied the respondent’s application for cancellation
of removal under section 240A(a) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(a) (2006),
in the exercise of discretion. She also denied his applications for asylum and
withholding of removal because the respondent did not establish a nexus
or harm that was sufficiently severe to constitute persecution. The
Immigration Judge also found the respondent ineligible for protection under
the Convention Against Torture, and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading
Treatment or Punishment, adopted and opened for signature Dec. 10, 1984,
G.A. Res. 39/46. 39 U.N. GAOR Supp. No. 51, at 197, U.N. Doc.
A/RES/39/708 (1984) (entered into force June 26, 1987; for the United States
Apr. 18, 1988).
The respondent, now represented, has appealed from the Immigration
Judge’s decision and challenges the decision on the merits. The respondent
has also submitted a motion to remand arguing, in part, that the Immigration
Judge failed to properly assess his mental competency.
II. ISSUES
This case presents three questions related to mental competency
determinations: (1) When should Immigration Judges make competency
determinations? (2) What factors should Immigration Judges consider and
what procedures should they employ to make those determinations? (3) What
safeguards should Immigration Judges prescribe to ensure that proceedings are
sufficiently fair when competency is not established?
III. ANALYSIS
We recognize that this is a difficult area of the law and that our decision
today addresses a limited set of questions regarding aliens with competency
issues in immigration proceedings. Nevertheless, our goal is to ensure that
proceedings are as fair as possible in an unavoidably imperfect situation.
To that end, this decision will provide a framework for analyzing cases
in which issues of mental competency are raised.1Cite as 25 I&N Dec. 474 (BIA 2011) Interim Decision #3711
477
A. Presumption of Competency
As a threshold matter, we find that an alien is presumed to be competent
to participate in removal proceedings. See, e.g., Munoz-Monsalve v. Mukasey,
551 F.3d 1, 6 (1st Cir. 2008) (finding that it is the alien’s burden to first
raise the issue of competency); cf. United States v. Shan Wei Yu, 484 F.3d 979,
985 (8th Cir. 2007) (stating that in a criminal proceeding, competency
is “presumed ‘absent some contrary indication’ arising from irrational
behavior, the defendant’s demeanor, and any prior medical opinions
addressing the defendant’s competency” (quoting United States v. Long Crow,
37 F.3d 1319, 1325 (8th Cir. 1994))). See generally Valenzuela-Solari
v. Mukasey, 551 F.3d 53, 57 (1st Cir. 2008) (finding that if there is a claim
of language disability, the alien must ordinarily raise it first in the agency
proceedings).
Absent indicia of mental incompetency, an Immigration Judge is under
no obligation to analyze an alien’s competency. Munoz-Monsalve v. Mukasey,
551 F.3d at 6 (finding that an Immigration Judge’s failure to sua sponte order
a competency evaluation did not violate the alien’s due process rights where
he was represented, his attorney did not request an evaluation, and the record
did not contain evidence of a lack of competency); Nelson v. INS, 232 F.3d
258, 261-62 (1st Cir. 2000) (finding that health-related complaints such
as headache and poor memory do not rise to the level of mental
incompetency).
The Act and the regulations contemplate circumstances in which
competency concerns trigger the application of appropriate safeguards.
We will examine the governing statutory and regulatory authority,
as interpreted by case law, to address the issues presented.
B. Legal Authority
1. Statutory and Regulatory Provisions
The Act acknowledges that aliens in proceedings may be mentally
incompetent. Specifically, the Act provides as follows:
If it is impracticable by reason of an alien’s mental incompetency for the alien
to be present at the proceeding, the Attorney General shall prescribe safeguards
to protect the rights and privileges of the alien.
Section 240(b)(3) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1229a(b)(3) (2006). The Act’s
invocation of safeguards presumes that proceedings can go forward, even
where the alien is incompetent, provided the proceeding is conducted fairly.Cite as 25 I&N Dec. 474 (BIA 2011) Interim Decision #3711
478
The regulations provide guidance regarding the treatment of aliens who
lack mental competency. An incompetent alien must be served with the
Notice to Appear in person. 8 C.F.R. § 103.5a(c)(2) (2010). If the alien is
confined in a penal or mental institution or hospital, service generally must be
made on the alien, as well as the person in charge of the institution, although
if the alien is incompetent, service can only be made on the person in charge
of the institution where the alien is confined. 8 C.F.R. § 103.5a(c)(2)(i). If the
alien is not confined, service must be made on the person with whom the alien
resides. 8 C.F.R. § 103.5a(c)(2)(ii). Further, “whenever possible, service shall
also be made on the near relative, guardian, committee, or friend.” Id.
Additional requirements are prescribed in the regulations to ensure that
an incompetent alien is afforded an adequate opportunity to present his or her
case during a hearing. Immigration Judges may not accept an admission
of removability from an unrepresented respondent who is incompetent and
unaccompanied. 8 C.F.R. § 1240.10(c) (2010). When it is impracticable for
the respondent to be present at the hearing because of mental incompetency,
the attorney, legal representative or guardian, near relative, or friend who was
served with a copy of the Notice to Appear is permitted to appear on behalf
of the respondent. 8 C.F.R. §§ 1240.4, 1240.43 (2010). If such a person
cannot be found or fails or refuses to appear, the regulations provide that the
“custodian of the respondent shall be requested to appear on behalf of the
respondent.” Id.
If an Immigration Judge determines that a respondent lacks sufficient
competency to proceed with the hearing, the Immigration Judge will evaluate
which available measures would result in a fair hearing. Immigration Judges
“shall prescribe safeguards to protect the rights and privileges of the alien.”
Section 240(b)(3) of the Act; see also 8 C.F.R. § 1003.10(b) (2010).
Although the Act and the regulations provide direction for handling cases
in which competency is an issue, they do not set forth the process that
an Immigration Judge should use to assess the competency of an alien
appearing in Immigration Court. This decision sets out a framework for that
purpose.
2. Competency for Purposes of Immigration Proceedings
Although immigration proceedings are civil in nature, the law regarding
mental competency issues in criminal proceedings is well developed, and
we consider it instructive. The United States Supreme Court has held in the
criminal context that a person is not competent to stand trial if “he lacks the
capacity to understand the nature and object of the proceedings against him,
to consult with counsel, and to assist in preparing his defense.” Drope
v. Missouri, 420 U.S. 162, 171 (1975). Cite as 25 I&N Dec. 474 (BIA 2011) Interim Decision #3711
479
Unlike in criminal proceedings, a lack of competency in civil immigration
proceedings does not mean that the hearing cannot go forward; rather,
procedural fairness is required. In immigration proceedings, the Fifth
Amendment entitles aliens to due process of law. Reno v. Flores, 507 U.S.
292, 306 (1993). Included in the rights that the Due Process Clause requires
in removal proceedings is the right to a full and fair hearing. Matter of M-D-,
23 I&N Dec. 540, 542 (BIA 2002) (citing Landon v. Plasencia, 459 U.S. 21,
32-33 (1982)). “A removal hearing must be conducted in a manner that
satisfies principles of fundamental fairness.” Matter of Beckford, 22 I&N Dec.
1216, 1225 (BIA 2000); see also Shaughnessey v. United States ex rel. Mezei,
345 U.S. 206, 212 (1953) (stating that immigration proceedings must conform
to traditional standards of fairness encompassed in due process).
To meet traditional standards of fundamental fairness in determining
whether an alien is competent to participate in immigration proceedings,
Immigration Judges must accord aliens the specific “rights and privileges”
prescribed in the Act. Section 240(b)(3) of the Act. For example, aliens “shall
have the privilege of being represented” at no expense to the Government.
Sections 240(b)(4)(A), 292 of the Act, 8 U.S.C. §§ 1229a(b)(4)(A), 1362
(2006). In addition, the Act requires that an alien have a “reasonable
opportunity” to examine and present evidence and to cross-examine witnesses.
Section 240(b)(4)(B) of the Act; see also 8 C.F.R. § 1240.10(a)(4). Therefore,
the test for determining whether an alien is competent to participate
in immigration proceedings is whether he or she has a rational and factual
understanding of the nature and object of the proceedings, can consult with the
attorney or representative if there is one, and has a reasonable opportunity
to examine and present evidence and cross-examine witnesses.
C. Framework for Cases Presenting Competency Issues
1. Indicia of Incompetency
In cases involving aliens with issues of mental competency, Immigration
Judges will need to consider whether there is good cause to believe that the
alien lacks sufficient competency to proceed without safeguards. Indicia
of incompetency include a wide variety of observations and evidence. For
example, the Immigration Judge or the parties may observe certain behaviors
by the respondent, such as the inability to understand and respond to questions,
the inability to stay on topic, or a high level of distraction. Second, the record
may contain evidence of mental illness or incompetency. This could include
direct assessments of the respondent’s mental health, such as medical reports
or assessments from past medical treatment or from criminal proceedings,
as well as testimony from medical health professionals. It may also include
evidence from other relevant sources, such as school records regarding specialCite as 25 I&N Dec. 474 (BIA 2011) Interim Decision #3711
480
education classes or individualized education plans; reports or letters from
teachers, counselors, or social workers; evidence of participation in programs
for persons with mental illness; evidence of applications for disability benefits;
and affidavits or testimony from friends or family members.
The DHS will often be in possession of relevant evidence, particularly
where the alien is detained. The DHS has an obligation to provide the court
with relevant materials in its possession that would inform the court about the
respondent’s mental competency. 8 C.F.R. § 1240.2(a) (2010) (“[DHS]
counsel shall present on behalf of the government evidence material to the
issues of deportability or inadmissibility and any other issues that may require
disposition by the immigration judge.”); see also Matter of S-M-J-, 21 I&N
Dec. 722, 726-27 (BIA 1997) (discussing generally the DHS’s role
in introducing evidence), disapproved of on other grounds, Ladha v. INS,
215 F.3d 889 (9th Cir. 2000).
Mental competency is not a static condition. “It varies in degree. It can
vary over time. It interferes with an individual’s functioning at different
times in different ways.” Indiana v. Edwards, 554 U.S. 164, 175 (2008).
As a result, Immigration Judges need to consider indicia of incompetency
throughout the course of proceedings to determine whether an alien’s
condition has deteriorated or, on the other hand, whether competency has been
restored.
Even if an alien has been deemed to be medically competent, there may
be cases in which an Immigration Judge has good cause for concern about the
ability to proceed, such as where the respondent has a long history of mental
illness, has an acute illness, or was restored to competency, but there is reason
to believe that the condition has changed. In such cases, Immigration Judges
should apply appropriate safeguards.
On the other hand, we also recognize that there are many types of mental
illness that, even though serious, would not prevent a respondent from
meaningfully participating in immigration proceedings. In other words,
a diagnosis of mental illness does not automatically equate to a lack
of competency.
2. Measures To Assess Competency
When there are indicia of incompetency, an Immigration Judge must take
measures to determine whether a respondent is competent to participate
in proceedings. The approach taken in any particular case will vary based
on the circumstances of the case.
For instance, an Immigration Judge may modify the questions posed to the
respondent to make them very simple and direct. The inquiries made should
include questions about where the hearing is taking place, the nature
of the proceedings, and the respondent’s state of mind. In addition, anCite as 25 I&N Dec. 474 (BIA 2011) Interim Decision #3711
481
Immigration Judge might ask the respondent whether he or she currently takes
or has taken medication to treat a mental illness and what the purpose and
effects of that medication are. Proceedings may also be continued to allow the
parties to gather and submit evidence relevant to these matters, such as medical
treatment reports, documentation from criminal proceedings, or letters and
testimony from other third party sources that bear on the respondent’s mental
health.
Another measure available to Immigration Judges is a mental competency
evaluation. See, e.g., Matter of J-F-F-, 23 I&N Dec. 912, 915 (A.G. 2006)
(noting that at the Immigration Judge’s request, the DHS arranged for
a psychiatric evaluation of a detained alien, which led the psychiatrist
to conclude that the alien understood the proceedings and wanted to proceed
with the hearing). Immigration Judges can also permit a family member
or close friend to assist the respondent in providing information. In addition,
Immigration Judges can docket or manage the case to facilitate the
respondent’s ability to obtain medical treatment and/or legal representation.
For example, a continuance or motion to change venue may be granted
to enable a respondent to be closer to family or available treatment programs.
Immigration Judges can continue proceedings to allow for further evaluation
of competency or an assessment of changes in the respondent’s condition.
The Immigration Judge must weigh the results from the measures taken and
determine, under the test for competency set out above, whether the respondent
is sufficiently competent to proceed with the hearing without safeguards. Cf.
Matter of Sinclitico, 15 I&N Dec. 320 (BIA 1975) (finding that the respondent
was not sufficiently competent to voluntarily relinquish his citizenship where
he did not seem to understand the questions asked of him, his answers
to questions were not responsive, there was medical evidence of mental illness,
and the respondent’s brother testified regarding his mental illness). The
Immigration Judge must also articulate that determination and his or her
reasoning.
3. Safeguards
If an Immigration Judge determines that a respondent lacks sufficient
competency to proceed with the hearing, the statute provides that the
Immigration Judge “shall prescribe safeguards to protect the rights and
privileges of the alien.” Section 240(b)(3) of the Act. Based on the statutory
and regulatory parameters, we conclude that Immigration Judges haveCite as 25 I&N Dec. 474 (BIA 2011) Interim Decision #3711
2 Immigration Judges already alter or tailor the conduct of hearings in response
to a respondent’s limited capacity, such as in proceedings involving unaccompanied
minors. See Operating Policies and Procedures Memorandum 07-01: Guidelines for
Immigration Court Cases Involving Unaccompanied Alien Children (May 22, 2007),
http://www.justice.gov/eoir/efoia/ocij/oppm07/07-01.pdf.
482
discretion to determine which safeguards are appropriate, given the particular
circumstances in a case before them.2
As noted above, the regulations provide guidance regarding safeguards
to protect aliens who otherwise lack sufficient competency to meaningfully
participate in proceedings. For example, the regulations prohibit Immigration
Judges from accepting an admission of removability from an unrepresented
alien who is incompetent and provide that when an alien is mentally
incompetent, the attorney, near relative, or friend who was served with a copy
of the Notice to Appear is permitted to appear on the respondent’s behalf.
8 C.F.R. §§ 1240.4, 1240.10(c), 1240.43. If such a person cannot be found
or fails or refuses to appear, the regulations provide that the respondent’s
custodian “shall be requested to appear on behalf of the respondent.” 8 C.F.R.
§§ 1240.4, 1240.43.
Case law also provides guidance to Immigration Judges for determining
how they may fairly proceed when an alien lacks competency. We have held
that an alien’s due process rights were not violated in a deportation hearing
where he was represented by an attorney who was able to introduce evidence
and cross-examine witnesses, a doctor testified regarding his medical
condition, and the respondent appeared to testify intelligently and rationally.
Matter of H-, 6 I&N Dec. 358 (BIA 1954). In addition, the Attorney General
has stated that “[i]t is appropriate for Immigration Judges to aid in the
development of the record, and directly question witnesses.” Matter of J-F-F-,
23 I&N Dec. at 922; see also section 240(b)(1) of the Act (providing that
Immigration Judges shall “interrogate, examine, and cross-examine the alien
and any witnesses”); 8 C.F.R. § 1240.11(a)(2) (2010) (“The immigration judge
shall inform the alien of his or her apparent eligibility to apply for any of the
benefits enumerated in this chapter and shall afford the alien an opportunity
to make application during the hearing.”).
Several Federal circuit courts have also considered the fairness
of proceedings involving aliens with indicia of mental incompetency. For
example, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that
the due process rights of an alien with a mental illness were not violated
where he was represented by counsel and was accompanied by a State
court-appointed conservator who testified fully on his behalf. Nee Hao Wong
v. INS, 550 F.2d 521, 523 (9th Cir. 1977). Similarly, the Tenth Circuit
concluded that procedural safeguards were in place and the alien hadCite as 25 I&N Dec. 474 (BIA 2011) Interim Decision #3711
3 We recognize that the Act provides that certain aliens with mental illness are
inadmissible under section 212(a)(1)(A)(iii) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(1)(A)(iii) (2006),
or removable under section 237(a)(1)(A) for having been inadmissible at the time of entry
or at the time of adjustment of status. Proceedings involving inadmissibility under those
sections present a different legal scenario, which is not addressed in this decision.
483
an opportunity to be heard at a meaningful time and in a meaningful manner
where the alien was represented and was able to answer the questions posed
to him and provide his version of the facts. Brue v. Gonzales, 464 F.3d 1227,
1232-34 (10th Cir. 2006). The Eighth Circuit also held that an Immigration
Judge was not required to determine competency where the respondent
answered the charges against him, testified in support of his claim for
withholding of removal, arranged for two witnesses to appear on his behalf,
was aware of the nature and object of the proceedings, and vigorously resisted
removal. Mohamed v. Gonzales, 477 F.3d 522, 526-27 (8th Cir. 2007).
In addition, the First Circuit concluded that an alien’s due process rights were
not violated where he was represented, his attorney does not request
an evaluation, and the record did not contain evidence of a lack of competency.
Munoz-Monsalve v. Mukasey, 551 F.3d at 6-8.
Drawing guidance from the regulations and legal precedent, we note that
there are a number of safeguards available to Immigration Judges, some
of which they may have already taken when initially assessing the
respondent’s competency. Examples of appropriate safeguards include, but are
not limited to, refusal to accept an admission of removability from an
unrepresented respondent; identification and appearance of a family member
or close friend who can assist the respondent and provide the court with
information; docketing or managing the case to facilitate the respondent’s
ability to obtain legal representation and/or medical treatment in an effort to
restore competency; participation of a guardian in the proceedings;
continuance of the case for good cause shown; closing the hearing to the
public; waiving the respondent’s appearance; actively aiding in the
development of the record, including the examination and cross-examination
of witnesses; and reserving appeal rights for the respondent. The Immigration
Judge will consider the facts and circumstances of an alien’s case to decide
which of these or other relevant safeguards to utilize. The Immigration Judge
must articulate his or her reasoning for the decision.
In some cases, even where the court and the parties undertake their best
efforts to ensure appropriate safeguards, concerns may remain. In these cases,
the Immigration Judge may pursue alternatives with the parties, such
as administrative closure, while other options are explored, such as seeking
treatment for the respondent.3Cite as 25 I&N Dec. 474 (BIA 2011) Interim Decision #3711
484
D. Summary of Legal Framework
To summarize, if there are no indicia of incompetency in an alien’s case,
no further inquiry regarding competency is required. The test for determining
whether an alien is competent to participate in immigration proceedings
is whether he or she has a rational and factual understanding of the nature and
object of the proceedings, can consult with the attorney or representative
if there is one, and has a reasonable opportunity to examine and present
evidence and cross-examine witnesses. If there are indicia of incompetency,
the Immigration Judge must make further inquiry to determine whether the
alien is competent for purposes of immigration proceedings. If the alien lacks
sufficient competency to proceed, the Immigration Judge will evaluate and
apply appropriate safeguards. The Immigration Judge must articulate the
rationale for his or her decision.
IV. CONCLUSION
In this case, there is good cause to believe that the respondent lacked
sufficient competency to proceed with the hearing. The record includes
several psychiatric reports that diagnose him with mental illness, and during
criminal proceedings, the respondent was found to be unfit to proceed with
a trial. Additionally, before the Immigration Judge, the respondent had
difficulty answering questions, discussed his illness and need for medication,
and asked to see a psychiatrist.
Given these circumstances, we will remand the record to the Immigration
Judge to apply the framework articulated here. On remand, the Immigration
Judge should take steps to assess the respondent’s competency, make a finding
regarding his competency, apply safeguards as warranted, and articulate her
reasoning. The parties will have an opportunity on remand to present evidence
relevant to an evaluation of the respondent’s competency and any other
appropriate issues.
ORDER: The record is remanded to the Immigration Judge for further
proceedings consistent with the foregoing opinion and for the entry of a new
decision.