1.1 - Scope of Part II: The Office of the Chief Immigration Judge

(a) Authority – As noted in Part 1, Chapter 1.1(a), the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) is charged with administering the immigration courts nationwide.  The Attorney General has directed the Director of EOIR, in consultation with the Immigration Judges, to issue a practice manual for the parties who appear in immigration court. The EOIR Policy Manual, Part II: Office of the Chief Immigration Judge, documents those practices.

(b) Purpose – This part of the manual is provided for the information and convenience of the general public and for parties that appear before the immigration courts.  Part II describes procedures, requirements, and recommendations for practice before the immigration courts.  The requirements set forth in this Manual are binding on the parties who appear before the immigration courts, unless the Immigration Judge directs otherwise in a particular case.

(c) Disclaimer – This manual does not constitute legal advice, and no parties or members of the public should construe any provision as legal advice.  This manual does not extend or limit the jurisdiction of the immigration courts as established by law and regulation.  Nothing in this manual shall limit the discretion of Immigration Judges to act in accordance with law and regulation.

(d) Revisions – EOIR reserves the right to amend, suspend, or revoke the text, or portions of the text, of this manual at any time.  Questions regarding online access to the manual should be addressed to the Law Library and Immigration Research Center.  See Appendix A (Directory).  The Policy Manual is updated periodically.  Dates of the most recent updates to the manual are provided.  For information on how to provide comments regarding this manual, see Chapter 13 (Public Input).