Attorney General William Barr appointed Irene M. Recio to begin hearing cases in October 2019. Judge Recio earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1989 from the University of Miami, a Master of International Business Management in 1991 from University of Miami School of International Studies, and a Juris Doctor in 1995 from University of Miami School of Law. From 2014 to 2019, she served as branch chief at the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS). From 2013 to 2014, she served as an adjudications officer and supervisor at the Immigrant Investor Program Office, USCIS, DHS, in the District of Columbia. From 2012 to 2013, she served as an adjudications officer at AAO, USCIS, DHS, in the District of Columbia. From 2010 to 2011, she served as a legal services manager and general counsel for BPSOS Inc., in Falls Church, Virginia. From 2005 to 2010, she worked as an associate attorney and of counsel at Reed Smith LLP., in the District of Columbia. From 2003 to 2004, she worked as an associate attorney at Steptoe & Johnson LLP., in the District of Columbia. From 1999 to 2003, she worked as an attorney with Baker & McKenzie, in the District of Columbia. From 1997 to 1999, she worked as an attorney with Magda Montiel Davis P.A., in Miami and the District of Columbia. Judge Recio is a member of the District of Columbia Bar and Florida Bar.