U.S. Department
of Justice
EOIR News
Department of Justice
Executive Office for Immigration Review
Friday, May 25, 2012
Varick Street Immigration Judge Participates
in Naturalization Ceremony
NEW YORK -- Immigration Judge Steven Abrams from the Executive Office for Immigration Review, Varick Street Immigration Court, delivered the keynote speech and administered the oath of allegiance to approximately 160 candidates during a naturalization ceremony at 26 Federal Plaza, New York, on May 18, 2012. The New York District Office of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, hosted the ceremony.
Biographical Information
Attorney General Janet Reno appointed Judge Abrams in September 1997. Judge Abrams received a bachelor of science degree in 1970 from Northeastern University and a juris doctorate in 1974 from St. Johns University School of Law. From June 2005 to June 2009, he served as an immigration judge at the New York Immigration Court. From 1999 to June 2005, Judge Abrams served as an immigration judge at the Queens Wackenhut Immigration Court. From September 1997 to January 1999 he was an immigration judge at the Varick Street Immigration Court. From 1979 to 1997, he worked for the former Immigration and Naturalization Service in various capacities, including a general attorney; district counsel; a special U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of New York; and special counsel for criminal litigation. From December 1978 to August 1979, he worked as assistant counsel for the State of New York Commission of Investigation. From August to December 1978, Judge Abrams served as assistant counsel for the New York State Department of Social Services Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Unit. From 1974 to 1978, he was employed by the Queens County District Attorneys Office, serving first as an assistant district attorney, then as senior assistant in the Homicide Bureau. Judge Abrams is a member of the New York State 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.