Executive Office for Immigration Review 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) has published in the Federal Register a proposed rule amending the regulations governing the requirements and procedures for authorizing representatives of non-profit religious, charitable, social service, or similar organizations to represent persons in proceedings before EOIR and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The proposed rule also proposes amendments to the regulations concerning EOIR's disciplinary procedures. EOIR seeks public comment on issues affecting this proposed rule and will host three open public meetings to discuss it. The first meeting will be limited to a discussion of the recognition of organizations; the second meeting will address accreditation of representatives; and the third meeting will address oversight of recognized organizations and accredited representatives.

This final rule adopts, as amended, the proposed rule entitled ``List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers for Aliens in Immigration Proceedings.'' The final rule changes the name of the ``List of Free Legal Service Providers,'' maintained by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), to the ``List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers'' (List). It enhances the eligibility requirements for providers to be included on the List. It authorizes the Director of EOIR, or his or her designee, to place providers on the List and remove them from the List. The rule also allows the public to comment on eligible applicants and requires approved providers to certify their eligibility every 3 years.

This rule amends the Department of Justice regulations relating to the organization of the Board of Immigration Appeals (Board) by adding two Board member positions, thereby expanding the Board to 17 members.