Skip to main content

EOIR Director restricts use of status dockets

  1. Original Date Announced

    August 16, 2019

    The EOIR Director issues Policy Memo 19-13, substantially restricting the use of status dockets. A status docket is used by judges to receive updates on developments outside the hearing that may influence or determine the outcome of the case (e.g., approval of an immigrant visa petition). Under the Director's new policy, the only cases that can be placed on a status docket are those in which a court order is involved and prevents the IJ from proceeding to final adjudication.

    [ID #216]

    Use of Status Dockets
  2. Effective Date

    August 16, 2019
  3. Subsequent Trump and Court Action(s)

    • March 21, 2025

      2025.03.21 EOIR 25-27 - Cancellation of DM 23-01 and Reinstatement of PM 19-13

      EOIR Acting Director Owen issued Policy Memorandum (PM) 25-27 rescinding and canceling Director’s Memorandum (DM) 23-01, which was issued in October, 2022 under the Biden administration. PM 25-27 reinstates PM 19-13, a prior memorandum issued during President Trump's first administration, restricting the use of the "status docket" in immigration proceedings.

      For more information, please see this Trump 2.0 Policy Entry.

      View Document
  4.  
  5. Biden Administration Action: Revoked/Replaced

    October 4, 2022

    Provide guidance to adjudicators on the use of status dockets

    This Biden Administration action reverses the Trump Administration action identified in this entry.

    On October 4, 2022, the Department of Justice (EOIR) issued a policy memorandum returning full use of status dockets to Immigration Judges, explicitly rescinding the Trump-era policy restricting their usage, and setting out new guidelines for their employment.

    View Document

Current Status

Not in effect

Most Recent Action

October 4, 2022 Action: Revoked/Replaced Provide guidance to adjudicators on the use of status dockets
October 4, 2022
Acted on by Biden Administration

Original Trump Policy Status

Status: Final/Actual
Trump Administration Action: Agency Directive
Subject Matter: Hearings and Adjudications
Agencies Affected: EOIR

Associated or Derivative Policies

Commentary

  • CLINIC Practice Advisory: Status Dockets in Immigration Court

    Go to article

To provide information, corrections, or feedback, please email IPTP.feedback@gmail.com

To provide information, corrections, or feedback, please email IPTP.feedback@gmail.com