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EOIR Policy Manual

EOIR Policy Manual
Part I - Introduction

2.1 - Self Help Legal Materials

(a) Self-Help Legal Centers - Located within immigration courts, Self-Help Legal Centers provide general legal information as well as specific information about the local immigration court to pro se respondents and other interested individuals.  The centers provide self-help materials for general informational purposes only and are not a substitute for legal advice.  They neither constitute any legal opinion by the Department of Justice nor create any rights or benefits.  Further, they do not address all applicable laws or case interpretations, and they are subject to change as new laws and regulations are enacted and circuit case precedent changes.

The Self-Help Legal Centers provide blank forms including those for change of address and fee waivers.  Information is provided on various forms of relief, including Asylum and Voluntary Departure, as well as answers to frequently asked questions about the local immigration court. 

(b) Immigration Court Online Resource - EOIR’s Immigration Court Online Resource (ICOR) is a web-based and mobile friendly tool that provides respondents, appellants, practitioners, and other interested parties with a centralized location for resources pertaining to immigration proceedings before EOIR.

     (1) Multi-lingual - ICOR is available in English, Spanish (Español), Chinese (中文), Portuguese (Português), Haitian Creole (Kreyòl Ayisyen), and Punjabi (ਪੰਜਾਬੀ).     

Shareable and printable flyers highlighting the capabilities of ICOR can be found for each of ICOR’s languages at the following links: 

  • Spanish / Español Flyer
  • Portuguese / Português Flyer
  • Haitian Creole / Kreyòl Ayisyen Flyer
  • Punjabi / ਪੰਜਾਬੀ Flyer 

    (2) Model Hearing Program - ICOR includes the Model Hearing Program (MHP), which is an educational program that aims to improve the quality of advocacy before the immigration courts, as well as to increase levels of competent and professional pro bono representation before EOIR.  The MHP provides hands-on immigration court training and is designed for those with little or no experience in immigration proceedings who are interested in representing indigent immigrants on a pro bono basis in immigration court. 

  • All MHPs share a basic structure.  First, substantive training in a specific area of immigration law is provided by the non-profit organization sponsoring the MHP.  This is followed by a model hearing presided over by an immigration judge from the local immigration court.  The in-court model hearing focuses on practice, procedure, and advocacy skills.  Participants commit to a minimal level of pro bono representation throughout the year, and may receive training materials. 
  • For more information, contact the Office of Policy’s Public Resources and Communications Division.  For contact information, see Appendix A (Directory).