Matter of T-D-E-
BIA
29 I&N Dec. 732 (BIA 2026)
2026
Holding
An IJ may not determine that a respondent is credible solely because the respondent was candid in admitting he previously lied to obtain immigration benefits.
Practitioner Note
Candor about prior deception is not a substitute for overall credibility. An IJ must assess the totality of the circumstances and may not bootstrap a credibility finding from an admission of past fraud.
This summary describes what the tribunal held. Always verify the citation and read the full decision before relying on it. Case law changes — confirm this decision has not been overruled, limited, or superseded. Not legal advice.