8.2 - Definition of Practitioner and Recognized Organization

The term “practitioner” refers to an individual’s or entity’s attorney or representative, as defined in 8 C.F.R. §§ 1001.1(f), 1001.1(j), and 1292.1(a)-(b), respectively.  8 C.F.R. § 1001.1(ff).  The term “representative” refers to non-attorneys authorized to practice before the immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals (Board), including law students and law graduates, reputable individuals, fully accredited representatives, and accredited officials.  See 8 C.F.R. §§ 1001.1(j), 1292.1(a)-(b).  See also Chapter 5 (Appearances before the Immigration Court and the Board of Immigration Appeals).

The term “recognized organization” is defined as a non-profit, federal tax-exempt, religious, charitable, social service, or similar organization established in the United States that has been recognized by the Assistant Director for Policy or the Assistant Director’s designee to represent respondents/applicants through accredited representatives before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) only or before the Board, the immigration courts, and DHS.   See 8 C.F.R. § 1292.11.