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policies between January 2017 and March 2024

92 Policies

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Current Status
  1. January 2021

    1. January 13, 2021

      EOIR announces interactive Policy Manual to access BIA and Immigration Court Practice Manuals

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Partially in effect
    2. January 12, 2021

      EOIR Director issues policy memo on rulemakings and federal court orders

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. January 8, 2021

      EOIR Director issues guidance to restrict continuances

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. December 2020

    1. December 31, 2020

      EOIR Director rescinds two more OPPMs

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/ActualRescinded Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. December 22, 2020

      EOIR Director rescinds five more OPPMs

      Hearings and AdjudicationsU/T/VAWA EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. December 18, 2020

      EOIR Director issues policy memo on fees and fee waivers

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
    4. December 11, 2020

      EOIR Director instructs IJs and BIA on significant asylum reg

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
    5. December 10, 2020

      EOIR Director rescinds and replaces OPPMs on pro bono representation

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice
    6. December 4, 2020

      EOIR Director modifies asylum processing and asylum clock, rescinds two OPPMs

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice
    7. December 1, 2020

      EOIR Director creates master calendar rules specifically for non-detained, represented cases

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice

      Current Status

      Partially in effect
  1. November 2020

    1. November 20, 2020

      EOIR rescinds ten OPPMs deemed outdated

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. November 6, 2020

      EOIR updates policy guidance on immigration court hearings conducted by telephone and VTC

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. November 6, 2020

      EOIR rescinds OPPMs based on ABT settlement agreement

      Asylum, Withholding and CATHearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    4. November 5, 2020

      EOIR issues guidance for implementing Mendez Rojas settlement on recent border crossers and one-year asylum deadline

      Hearings and AdjudicationsAsylum, Withholding and CAT EOIRUSCISDHS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    5. November 5, 2020

      DOS revokes designation of ETIM as a foreign terrorist organization

      InteriorBorder DOSDOJDHS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. October 2020

    1. October 9, 2020

      Reported: DOJ cancels diversity training, including for immigration judges

      Hearings and Adjudications DOJEOIR Final/ActualRescinded Agency Directive
    2. October 6, 2020

      USCIS issues guidance on TPS and eligibility for adjustment of status

      TPSImmigrant Visas USCISAG Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice
  1. August 2020

    1. August 21, 2020

      USCIS updates its policy manual with guidance on terminating asylee status at adjustment of status

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCISICEEOIR Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. August 20, 2020

      Trump Cabinet officials voted in 2018 White House meeting to separate migrant children

      BorderAsylum, Withholding and CAT DHSDOJ Reported Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. July 2020

    1. July 2, 2020

      EOIR rescinds two OPPMs deemed outdated

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. June 2020

    1. June 12, 2020

      EOIR rescinds five OPPMs deemed outdated

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. April 2020

    1. April 29, 2020

      EOIR issues guidance on legal changes affecting individuals in the CNMI

      Asylum, Withholding and CATHearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. March 2020

    1. March 18, 2020

      COVID-19: EOIR sets immigration court practices during outbreak

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Replaced Agency Directive
  1. February 2020

    1. February 13, 2020

      EOIR clarifies use of standing orders, relationship with Immigration Practice Manual

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. February 13, 2020

      EOIR Director modifies adjournment, call up, and case identification codes

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/ActualRescinded Agency DirectiveChange in Practice
  1. January 2020

    1. January 31, 2020

      EOIR re-articulates policies on case management and docketing

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. January 17, 2020

      EOIR Director expands restrictions on immigration judges' public speaking

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIRDOJ Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    3. January 13, 2020

      EOIR issues guidance on adjustment of status eligibility for certain Liberians under the NDAA

      Hearings and Adjudications DHSEOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    4. January 10, 2020

      State Department designates Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq as a foreign terrorist organization

      InteriorBorder DOSDHSDOJ Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. December 2019

    1. December 20, 2019

      USCIS issues guidance to clarify the effect of travel by TPS beneficiaries with final orders

      TPSImmigrant Visas USCISICEEOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
    2. December 20, 2019

      EOIR to open another immigration court in Houston

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. November 2019

    1. November 22, 2019

      EOIR General Counsel issues guidance on applying Asylum Eligibility and Procedural Modifications Rule to certain asylum seekers impacted by metering

      Asylum, Withholding and CATHearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    2. November 21, 2019

      EOIR reaffirms amici cannot engage in legal advocacy before IJs

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
    3. November 19, 2019

      EOIR memorializes policy regarding joint rule on the implementation of Asylum Cooperative Agreements

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorderHearings and Adjudications USCISEOIRICE Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive
    4. November 15, 2019

      EOIR issues guidance regarding child advocates in UAC hearings

      MinorsHearings and Adjudications EOIRORRICE Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. October 2019

    1. October 2, 2019

      EOIR Director issues guidance on the review of R&A denials

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. October 1, 2019

      EOIR Director modifies BIA case processing, creates internal deadlines

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. September 2019

    1. September 30, 2019

      USCIS issues policy guidance for Matter of L-E-A-

      Asylum, Withholding and CATRefugees USCISICEEOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
    2. September 25, 2019

      United States and Honduras sign Asylum Cooperative Agreement

      BorderAsylum, Withholding and CAT CBPUSCISDOJ Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive
    3. September 20, 2019

      United States and El Salvador sign Asylum Cooperative Agreement

      BorderAsylum, Withholding and CAT DOJUSCISCBP Final/ActualIn LitigationRescinded Agency Directive
  1. August 2019

    1. August 16, 2019

      EOIR Director restricts use of status dockets

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. August 16, 2019

      EOIR clarifies policy on judge misconduct complaints and ex parte communications

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. August 13, 2019

      EOIR opens immigration court in Sacramento

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. July 2019

    1. July 26, 2019

      United States and Guatemala sign Asylum Cooperative Agreement

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder DOJCBPUSCIS Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive
    2. July 15, 2019

      EOIR issues guidelines regarding DHS/DOJ third country interim final rule

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT ICEEOIR Final/ActualIn LitigationRescinded Agency Directive
  1. April 2019

    1. April 8, 2019

      DOS to designate Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as Foreign Terrorist Organization

      Enforcement DHSDOSAG Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. March 2019

    1. March 29, 2019

      EOIR Director's "no dark courtrooms" policy to max out courtroom space

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. March 20, 2019

      EOIR relaxes rules on electronic devices in EOIR court space

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. February 2019

    1. February 12, 2019

      ICE issues guidance on Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP)

      BorderAsylum, Withholding and CAT ICEEOIR Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Partially in effect
  1. December 2018

    1. December 21, 2018

      EOIR Director sets case completion goals for OCAHO

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. December 19, 2018

      EOIR issues IJ guidance on credible fear hearings following Grace v. Whitaker

      Hearings and Adjudications USCISEOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. December 19, 2018

      EOIR Director reinforces employees' duty to report suspected fraud in court proceedings

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    4. December 18, 2018

      EOIR Director orders more aggressive reporting of ineffective assistance of counsel and attorney misconduct

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. November 2018

    1. November 30, 2018

      ACIJ directs NYC IJs to complete family cases within 365 days

      Hearings and Adjudications ICEEOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. November 19, 2018

      EOIR Director orders IJs to adjudicate asylum claims within 180 days

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT ICEEOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
    3. November 16, 2018

      EOIR Director orders courts to track 'family unit' cases, complete them within a year

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Partially in effect
    4. November 13, 2018

      EOIR issues guidance on denying asylum to southern border EWIs

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
    5. November 8, 2018

      USCIS announces continued implementation of policy memo on NTAs

      Interior USCISICEEOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    6. November 8, 2018

      EOIR Director issues guidance on new regs implementing the "proclamation-based asylum bar"

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
    7. November 7, 2018

      EOIR Director to review all standing policy memos, rescinds four OPPMs

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Rescinded Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. September 2018

    1. September 13, 2018

      AG Sessions issues litigation guidelines for opposing nationwide injunctions

      Hearings and Adjudications AGDOJ Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. September 1, 2018

      EOIR issues revised Uniform Docketing System Manual

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIRDOJ Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. July 2018

    1. July 20, 2018

      DOJ issues FY18 solicitation for Byrne JAG grants with new "conditions"

      Sanctuary Restrictions DOJState & Local Entities Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    2. July 11, 2018

      ICE issues guidance for OPLA attorneys on litigating asylum claims after Matter of A-B-

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCISICEEOIR Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency Directive
    3. July 10, 2018

      DHS issues a four-step process for family reunification to comply with court order

      EnforcementHearings and Adjudications AGICEORR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. June 2018

    1. June 28, 2018

      New Jersey IJs issue notices on asylum, withholding, and CAT relief applicants on Matter of A-B-

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT EOIRICE Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency Directive
    2. June 23, 2018

      ICE designates special facility and policies for reunification and removal of separated families

      DetentionMinors EOIRICEORR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. June 21, 2018

      CBP announces end to family separations based on border prosecutions

      Border CBPICEEOIRORRDOD Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Partially in effect
  1. May 2018

    1. May 11, 2018

      DOJ and USCIS increase cooperation to detect fraud by employers

      Workplace EnforcementEmployment Verification USCISIER Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. April 2018

    1. April 27, 2018

      CBP's metering policy is confirmed through litigation

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder CBPUSCISEOIR Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency DirectiveChange in Practice
    2. April 13, 2018

      DOJ demands evidence of compliance with 8 U.S.C. § 1373 from three jurisdictions

      Sanctuary Restrictions DOJState & Local Entities Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency DirectiveForms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    3. April 6, 2018

      DOJ announces "zero tolerance" policy on Southwest border

      Border CBPAG Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. March 2018

    1. March 27, 2018

      DOJ reaches agreement with West Palm Beach over 8 U.S.C. § 1373 compliance

      Sanctuary Restrictions DOJState & Local Entities Final/Actual Agency DirectiveForms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. January 2018

    1. January 17, 2018

      EOIR Director issues directives on case priorities and IJ performance metrics

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. January 17, 2018

      EOIR issues guidance on change of venue

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. December 2017

    1. Current Status

      Not in effect
    2. December 20, 2017

      EOIR cuts back on child-friendly practices in immigration court

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
    3. December 20, 2017

      EOIR issues new guidance on cases subject to the cancellation/suspension cap

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. November 2017

    1. November 15, 2017

      DOJ warns 29 jurisdictions about losing Byrne JAG funds for non-compliance with § 1373

      Sanctuary Restrictions DOJState & Local Entities Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency Directive
  1. October 2017

    1. October 12, 2017

      DOJ finds five jurisdictions not in compliance with § 1373, gives time to respond

      Sanctuary Restrictions DOJState & Local Entities Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    2. October 10, 2017

      DOJ and DOS sign agreement on employer visa misconduct

      EnforcementWorkplace EnforcementEmployment Verification IERBureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. October 8, 2017

      DOJ/DHS plan to hire additional immigration judges and ICE attorneys

      Interior ICEEOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. August 2017

    1. August 16, 2017

      ORR announces Community Safety Initiative to review unaccompanied minor policies

      MinorsInterior ORRICEDOJState & Local Entities Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Partially in effect
  1. July 2017

    1. July 31, 2017

      EOIR discourages IJs from granting continuances

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. July 25, 2017

      DOJ issues new conditions for FY 2017 Byrne JAG grants to "sanctuary" jurisdictions

      Sanctuary Restrictions AGICEState & Local Entities Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. May 2017

    1. May 22, 2017

      AG Sessions implements Executive Order banning sanctuary city funding

      Sanctuary Restrictions DOJICEState & Local Entities Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency DirectiveChange in Practice

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. April 2017

    1. April 21, 2017

      DOJ conditions grant funds on compliance with 8 U.S.C. § 1373

      Sanctuary Restrictions DOJICEState & Local Entities Final/Actual Agency Directive
    2. April 11, 2017

      AG Sessions orders federal prosecutors to give greater priority to criminal immigration violations

      Hearings and Adjudications DOJ Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. April 3, 2017

      DOJ and DOL warn H-1B employers not to discriminate against U.S. workers

      Non-Immigrant Visas: Employment-BasedEmployment Verification IERDOL Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. March 2017

    1. March 27, 2017

      AG Sessions warns sanctuary jurisdictions to certify compliance with 8 U.S.C. § 1373 or lose DOJ grants

      Sanctuary RestrictionsInterior DOJICEState & Local Entities Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. February 2017

    1. February 21, 2017

      AG Sessions rescinds order phasing out BOP-contracted private prisons

      Enforcement DOJ Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. January 2017

    1. January 31, 2017

      EOIR announces revised case processing priorities

      Hearings and Adjudications EOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect