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EOIR relaxes rules on electronic devices in EOIR court space

  1. Original Date Announced

    March 20, 2019

    Via Policy Memo 19-10, EOIR continues its ban on recording and photography in EOIR space but, in a change from prior policy, will now allow electronic devices to be used in EOIR space outside the courtroom.

    Inside the courtroom, the use of electronic devices is prohibited, except when an attorney or representative is using the device to conduct "immediately relevant court and business related activities (e.g., scheduling)." Otherwise, the devices must be turned off inside the courtroom.

    [ID #201]

    EOIR Directive: Policy for Public Use of Electronic Devices in EOIR Space
  2. Effective Date

    March 20, 2019

Current Status

Fully in Effect

Original Trump Policy Status

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

Pre Trump-Era Policies

  • January 1, 2015

    The previous policy prohibited all use of electronic devices by the public (excluding attorneys and representatives of record) in EOIR spaces, requiring that electronic devices be turned off. Under that policy, attorneys of record and DHS trial attorneys were permitted to use electronic devices for limited purposes.

    EOIR Security Directive 01-2015: Public Use of Electronic Devices in EOIR Space

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