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Legal Orientation Program

Through the Legal Orientation Program (LOP), representatives from nonprofit immigration legal service organizations provide comprehensive explanations about immigration court procedures along with other helpful legal information to adult individuals in U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody. The program is normally administered in person at specific DHS Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities and is typically comprised of four components:

  • Group Orientations, which provide an interactive general overview of immigration removal proceedings, forms of relief, and are open to general questions;
  • Individual Orientations, where unrepresented individuals can briefly discuss their cases with experienced LOP providers and pose more specific questions;
  • Self-Help Workshops, where those unrepresented individuals with potential relief are provided in-depth guidance on specific topics (such as how to complete an asylum application or prepare for a bond hearing), and given self-help legal materials; and
  • Referral to Pro Bono Legal Services, where available.

The program also includes the LOP Information Line, which is a free hotline that provides abridged LOP services nationwide to individuals in DHS custody. The LOP Information Line is accessible through the Detainee Telephone System Pro Bono Platform available at all ICE detention facilities holding individuals over 72 hours.

EOIR manages the LOP through a contract with the Acacia Center for Justice and local subcontracting legal service organizations to provide program services at ICE detention facilities around the country. 

Return to Office of Legal Access Programs Home Page

Updated January 6, 2023