 From 2000 to 2003, Der-Yeghiayan served as an Immigration Judge in the Department of Justice Executive Office for Immigration Review.He was nominated by President George W. Bush on March 5, 2003, for the district court seat vacated by Marvin E. Aspen, and was unanimously confirmed by the Senate on July 14, 2003.He received his judicial commission on July 15, 2003.