4.2 - Legal Orientation Program

The Office of Policy operates the general Legal Orientation Program (LOP), a program intended to provide information about immigration court procedures, and other basic information, to groups of detained aliens. These programs are not legal advice and should not be considered a substitute for seeking and obtaining legal counsel. There are four components of the LOP, none of which constitute the provision of legal advice:

1) Group orientation - This general overview of immigration removal proceedings and forms of relief is open to aliens regardless of representation status and allows for general questions.

2) Individual orientation - This component provides an opportunity for unrepresented individuals to have a private conversation with a service provider with the intent of providing such an alien with generally applicable information to more specific questions without rendering legal judgment or providing legal advice.

3) Self-help workshops - This component provides aliens with general guidance on specific topics and ensures access to self-help legal materials.

4) Referral to Pro Bono Legal Services - Referrals to no-cost legal providers may occur as need and available providers are available.

The general LOP does not reduce an alien's detention time or length of proceedings, nor does it increase representation rates for detained aliens. EOIR manages the LOP through a contract to provide program services. EOIR has previously determined that the general LOP constitutes a wasteful program.