The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) has suspended attorney Ashley Briana Cuber from practicing law for one year. This decision comes after Cuber was suspended by the Washington State Bar Association. The ruling affects her ability to represent clients in immigration matters before the BIA, Immigration Courts, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The BIA's ruling, issued on September 18, 2026, is significant as it underscores the importance of maintaining professional standards among attorneys practicing in immigration law. The decision follows a series of disciplinary actions against Cuber, highlighting the board's commitment to upholding the integrity of legal representation in immigration cases.
Background
Ashley Briana Cuber is an attorney who faced disciplinary actions from the Washington State Bar Association, leading to her suspension from practicing law in Washington state. On June 26, 2025, the Washington Supreme Court granted the Bar Association’s petition for interim suspension, which took effect immediately. This suspension prompted the BIA to take action, as attorneys practicing before the Board must adhere to the standards set by state bar associations.
Following the interim suspension, the Disciplinary Counsels for the Executive Office for Immigration Review and DHS filed a Joint Petition for Immediate Suspension with the BIA. This petition was granted on July 25, 2025. Subsequently, on May 7, 2026, the Washington Supreme Court issued a final order suspending Cuber for one year, which led to the BIA's current disciplinary proceedings against her.
The Ruling
The BIA ruled to suspend Cuber from practicing law before the Board, Immigration Courts, and DHS for one year, effective July 25, 2025. The court stated, "In the absence of a timely answer to the Notice of Intent to Discipline, the Board generally does not diverge from the sanction recommended in a Notice of Intent to Discipline that is based on reciprocal discipline." This ruling reflects the BIA's adherence to established procedures regarding attorney discipline.
The decision was made by a panel of judges, including Chief Appellate Immigration Judge Malphrus and Appellate Immigration Judges Mullane and Creppy. The court emphasized that Cuber's failure to respond to the Amended Joint Notice of Intent to Discipline constituted an admission of the allegations against her, leaving the Board with no choice but to impose the proposed sanction.
Impact
This suspension has significant implications for Cuber and her clients. As an attorney suspended from practice, she will not be able to represent clients in immigration matters for the duration of her suspension. This decision also reinforces the BIA's commitment to maintaining high standards for legal practitioners in immigration law, ensuring that attorneys adhere to ethical guidelines and disciplinary actions imposed by their respective state bar associations.
The ruling may also serve as a warning to other attorneys practicing in immigration law about the consequences of failing to meet professional standards. The BIA's decision to uphold the suspension reflects its policy of reciprocal discipline, where actions taken by state bar associations can lead to similar consequences at the federal level.
What's Next
Cuber has the option to appeal the BIA's decision or petition for reinstatement after her suspension period ends. According to the ruling, she may petition the Board for reinstatement under the relevant regulations. Details regarding any potential appeals or related cases were not available in the court filing.