BIA RECOGNITION AND ACCREDITATION

DOJ RECOGNITION

AND ACCREDITATION

A Step-by-Step Guide for Non-

Profit Community-Based Agencies

Guide prepared by Amy Bliss Tenney, Immigration Legal Services Staff Attorney,

World Relief.

Edited by Jack Holmgren, Strategic Capacity Advisor, Catholic Legal Immigration

Network, Inc., 510-272-2730 x306; [email protected]. Updated by Laura

Burdick, Field Support Coordinator, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.,

301-565-4815, [email protected] and by Sarah Bankard, Capacity Building

Specialist, World Relief, 443-451-1937, [email protected].

Sample documents prepared by Jack Holmgren, Laura Burdick, and Sarah

Bankard. They are not samples from actual applications, and there is no guarantee

that such applications would be approved.

Guide and samples last updated March 2021.

Materials may be distributed and/or copied with attribution.

World Relief

7 East Baltimore Street

Baltimore, MD 21202-1602

Tel. 443-451-1900

Fax 443-451-1965

www.wr.org

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

8757 Georgia Avenue, Suite 850

Silver Spring, MD 20910

Tel. 301-565-4800

Fax 301-565-4824

www.cliniclegal.org

Table of Contents

Introduction …………………………………………………………………………… 1

I. Overview of Department of Justice (DOJ) Agency Site Recognition and Agency Staff

Accreditation …………………………………………………………………………... 2

II. Applying for First-Time DOJ Agency Site Recognition and Agency Staff

Accreditation …………………………………………………………………………… 4

III. Applying for First-Time Agency Staff Accreditation When the Agency Site is

Already Recognized ……………………………………………………………….…. 11

IV. Renewing Agency Staff Accreditation …………………………………………… 13

V. Renewing Agency Site Recognition ……………..……………..…………………... 15

VI. Extending Agency Site Recognition to Additional Sites………………………….. 17

VII. Submitting the Application ……………………………………………………….. 18

VIII. After Recognition and Accreditation …………………………………………….. 20

IX. Sample Application Documents for Agency Site Recognition and Agency Staff

Accreditation …………………………………………………………………………… 22

Form EOIR-31 ………………………………………………………...…… 23

Form EOIR-31A …………………………………………………………… 27

Cover Letter for Recognition and Accreditation Request ………………… 30

Cover Letter for Partial Accreditation Request ………………………….… 32

Cover Letter for Full Accreditation Request …………………………..……33

Cover Letter for Renewal of Recognition ……………………………..……34

Cover Letter for Renewal of Accreditation …………………………………36

Cover Letter for Extension of Recognition …………………………….……37

Immigration Law Library Resources ……………………………….….……38

Organizational Chart ………………………………………………..….……40

Budget for Immigration Program ……………………………………………41

Fee Schedule ………………………………………………..………….…… 43

Fee Waiver Policy ………………………………………………..…….……44

Fee Waiver/Reduction Policy (Sliding Scale) ……………………….………45

Resume for Partial Accreditation ……………………………...…………… 46

Resume for Full Accreditation …………………………………...………… 49

Sample Log of Court Experiences and Observations ……………………….52

Sample Affidavit for Trainings Missing Certificate …………………………53

Letter of Recommendation for Office Recognition ………………...……… 54

Letter of Recommendation for Partial Accreditation ……………...……..… 55

Letter of Recommendation for Full Accreditation ………………....….…… 57

Letter of Agreement to Provide Technical Legal Support ….……………… 59

Template for Annual Summary of Immigration Legal Services …………….60

Introduction

The Department of Justice (DOJ), Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)

issued new regulations regarding recognition and accreditation on December 19, 2016.

The new regulations, which took effect on January 18, 2017, include substantial changes

to the recognition and accreditation requirements for the first time in decades. As

additional information is gathered on how the changes are being implemented, this guide

will be updated accordingly.

This guide is current as of the publication date. It does not constitute legal advice. The

laws, interpretations of the laws, forms, and policies associated with DOJ recognition and

accreditation change occasionally, so please confirm that the information in this guide is

still current before relying on it. Please check the DOJ/EOIR website for form versions,

instructions, recent case law regarding DOJ recognition and accreditation, and other

important information. The website is https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-

accreditation-program. We also encourage you to review the Frequently Asked Questions

(FAQ) sheet on the recognition and accreditation program which is available on the

EOIR website at the same link shown above.

Additional information may be found in CLINIC’s DOJ Recognition and Accreditation

Toolkit athttps://cliniclegal.org/toolkits/recognition-accreditation.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

Section I. Overview of Department of Justice

(DOJ) Agency Site Recognition and Agency

Staff Accreditation

The Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP)

DOJ agency site recognition and agency staff accreditation is handled by the Office of

Legal Access Programs (OLAP), which is located within EOIR in Falls Church, VA.

OLAP works to improve access to legal information and counseling and to increase the

level of representation for immigrants appearing before the Immigration Courts and

Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). In addition to the recognition and accreditation

program, OLAP administers legal orientation programs, programs that provide direct

legal representation to certain vulnerable populations, and other programs.

Practicing Immigration Law

The practice of immigration law includes giving immigration advice, filling out

immigration forms, and drafting legal documents for a case. Only an attorney, a DOJ

accredited representative, or a staff person under the direct legal supervision of an

attorney or DOJ accredited representative may practice immigration law.

Agency Recognition and Staff Accreditation

Agency recognition and staff accreditation allows non-profit organizations and their non-

attorney staff to practice immigration law. It is an essential tool for increasing capacity to

serve low-income, vulnerable immigrant populations with high quality, charitable

immigration legal services.

There are two types of accreditation:

• Partial accreditation allows representation before the Department of Homeland

Security (DHS) only. A partially accredited representative can counsel

immigration clients, complete immigration forms, and represent clients at U.S.

Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) interviews.

• Full accreditation allows representation before both DHS and EOIR (the

Immigration Court and BIA). A fully accredited representative can represent

clients in removal, summary removal, rescission, and other proceedings in

Immigration Court. He or she may also handle appeals to the BIA. However, full

accreditation does not permit representation in state courts, the federal Courts of

Appeals, or the U.S. Supreme Court.

Unless an organization has an attorney on staff, each office site where immigration legal

services are provided must have DOJ agency recognition and at least one accredited

representative. Otherwise, the organization and its staff members are engaging in the

unauthorized practice of immigration law, which is illegal.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

An accredited representative may be full-time, part-time, or a volunteer. He or she may

even become accredited at more than one non-profit organization. An accredited

representative is only authorized to assist clients at the recognized office sites of the

organization. Once accredited at one recognized site, the representative is authorized to

practice immigration law at all other recognized sites of the same organization, if they are

approved as “extensions” of the main office.

Renewal of Recognition and Accreditation

Staff accreditation must be renewed every three years. For organizations receiving

agency recognition for the first time, the recognition is given conditionally for two years

and then must be renewed. Once renewed, recognition is valid for six years.

For more information on DOJ recognition and accreditation, including a current roster of

recognized organizations and accredited representatives, see

https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-accreditation-program.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

Section II. Applying for First-Time DOJ

Agency Site Recognition and Agency Staff

Accreditation

Note: If your organization is applying for first-time DOJ agency recognition, you must

apply for accreditation of at least one staff person at the same time. If your organization

is already recognized and you are applying for initial staff accreditation, skip to Section

III.

Eligibility Requirements for Agency Recognition

There are six requirements for agency recognition:

• The organization must be a non-profit religious, charitable, social service, or

similar organization;

• The organization must have federal tax-exempt status;

• The organization must provide immigration legal services primarily to low-

income or indigent clients within the U.S.;

• The organization must have access to adequate knowledge, information, and

experience in immigration law and procedure;

• The organization must be simultaneously applying for at least one employee or

volunteer to be accredited, and must maintain at least one accredited

representative on staff; and

• The organization must designate an authorized officer to act on its behalf.

Eligibility Requirements for Staff Accreditation

In order to be eligible for staff accreditation, the proposed representative must:

• Be an employee or volunteer of the organization;

• Have the character and fitness to represent clients;

• Have broad knowledge and adequate experience in immigration law and

procedure;

• Not be an attorney who is eligible to practice law in the U.S. or a U.S. territory,

commonwealth, or possession;

• Not have resigned while a disciplinary investigation or proceeding is pending;

• Not be subject to any order disbarring, suspending, enjoining, restraining, or

otherwise restricting him/her in the practice of law or representation before a

court or any administrative agency; and

• Not have been convicted of a serious crime anywhere in the world.

Elements of the Application

The application must include all of the required elements listed below. When filing for

agency recognition and staff accreditation at the same time, be sure to separate the

application into two (or more) different sections, with the recognition materials in one

section and the accreditation materials in the other. (See sample cover letter in Section

IX for the recommended format.) Note that OLAP prefers one-sided pages.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

Application for Agency Recognition

• Form EOIR-31 (Request for New Recognition, Renewal of Recognition, or

Extension of Recognition of a Non-Profit Religious, Charitable, Social Service, or

Similar Organization; January 2017 version)

• Proof of Non-Profit, Religious, Charitable, Social Service, or Similar

Organization

o Organizing documents such as constitution, charter, by-laws, articles of

incorporation, state non-profit status, or other documentation including a

mission statement or statement of purpose of the organization

o A declaration from organization’s authorized officer attesting that it serves

primarily low-income and indigent clients (included in Part 11 of the

EOIR-31 form)

o Letter(s) of recommendation from community members attesting to the

organization’s involvement and commitment (helpful but not required)

• Proof of Federal Tax Exempt Status

o Currently valid IRS tax determination letter

o Alternative documentation of federal tax exempt status

o Proof that status has been applied for and a determination is pending, if

applicable

• Evidence of Knowledge of Immigration Law and Procedures

o Organizational chart identifying names and titles of legal staff and

supervisors at all locations

o Resume(s) of any licensed attorney(s) in good standing on staff

o Copy of technical legal support agreement with outside immigration

attorney or full accredited representative, if applicable

o Information on immigration legal services offered and qualifications of

immigration legal staff such as resumes, training certificates, and letters of

recommendation

• Evidence of Print and Electronic Resources

o Full list of immigration law library resources available to organization

• Evidence of Providing Services Primarily to Low-Income and Indigent Clients

o Annual budget for providing immigration legal services for the current

year and past year, if available, including information on sources of

revenue and operating expenses (if these are not available, provide

projected budget for upcoming year)

o Detailed fee schedules for all locations, if applicable

o Summary of legal services provided (may be included in fee schedule)

o List of membership dues charged at all locations, if applicable

o Fee waiver/reduction policy or guidance provided to clients or staff at all

locations, if fees are charged

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

Application for Staff Accreditation

• Form EOIR-31A (Request by Organization for Accreditation or Renewal of

Accreditation of Non-Attorney Representative; January 2017 version) - submit

this form for each proposed representative

• Evidence of Character and Fitness

o Character reference letter(s) from professionals in the community and/or

employment references (note that OLAP will conduct a criminal

background check for all applicants)

• Evidence of Knowledge and Experience

o Resume of proposed representative demonstrating knowledge and

experience in immigration law, practice, and procedure

o At least two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the

proposed representative’s qualifications (knowledge, experience,

character, and fitness)

o Documentation of relevant education, formal training, and experience,

such as copies of certificates and agendas for immigration law trainings

attended, including documentation of at least one formal training course

designed to give new practitioners a solid overview of the fundamentals of

immigration law, practice, and procedure

o If seeking full accreditation, documentation of skills for effective

litigation, including, but not limited to, formal training, education, and

experience showing oral and written trial and appellate advocacy skills

Tips for a Strong Application

• The Forms. While a new edition of the EOIR-31 and EOIR-31A is available on

the EOIR website, we recommend using the earlier edition of these forms, dated

January 2017. The earlier editions are also available on the EOIR website.

Complete the forms electronically so they are typewritten. Be sure to carefully

read the form instructions. The authorized officer of the requesting organization

(such as the Executive Director or Immigration Program Director) who has been

designated to act on behalf of the organization must sign the forms along with the

proposed representative. Be sure to complete and sign the Proof of Service on part

12 of the EOIR-31 and part 7 of the EOIR-31A. Fill in the appropriate address

for the USCIS District Director. Note that the copy of the application must be

sent to the District Office, not the Field Office. If your organization is offering

immigration services in more than one USCIS District, you must list each District

Office address on the form and send a copy of the application to each one.

• Cover Letter. A simple cover letter with a list of enclosures or table of contents

is recommended. Refer to the samples in Section IX. If there are special

circumstances, you should attach a detailed cover letter. For example, if the

organization applied for recognition before and was denied, you should attach a

detailed cover letter explaining the reasons for the denial and how the

organization has addressed those issues in the new application.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

• Organizational Chart. The organizational chart should show in detail how the

immigration program is staffed (both paid staff and any volunteers) and show a

clear chain of supervision for the immigration staff. If the staff includes attorneys,

attach their resumes with information regarding bar admissions, legal experience,

and immigration legal training. If your organization has more than one office

and/or is requesting extension of recognition to sub-offices, the relationships and

lines of supervision between the immigration staff at the other location(s) must be

clearly indicated. Refer to the sample in Section IX.

• Fee Schedule. Include a fee schedule that lists the legal services provided and the

fee charged (if applicable) for each service. Note that organizations may offer a

limited range of immigration legal services, but must be able to “discern” when a

case requires referral to other representation because it requires more expertise

than the organization can provide.

In the fee schedule, it is important to state that no one will be turned away due to

inability to pay and to specify what services are included in the organization’s

fees (USCIS filing fee, representation at the interview, document translation, etc.).

Also, be sure to note any reduction in the organization’s fees for additional family

members and to limit the total charge per family. Include a maximum charge or

cap for any per capita services, such as translations per page.

When setting fees for your services, it is important to consider your local

economy and what other non-profits in your area charge for similar services. The

fee schedule helps demonstrate that you provide services primarily to low income

and indigent clients. For further guidance on how to set fees, see Chapter 6 of

Managing an Immigration Program: Steps for Creating and Increasing Legal

Capacity, available online at https://cliniclegal.org/resources/program-

management/managing-immigration-program-steps-creating-and-increasing-legal.

• Fee Waiver/Reduction Policy. If you charge fees, you need to submit a copy of

your policy for accommodating those who are unable to pay your fees. Note that

you have two options: 1) a fee waiver policy where clients either pay the full fee

or receive a full fee waiver OR 2) a fee waiver/reduction policy where clients are

charged reduced fees (or no fee) using a sliding scale. The policy should describe

the process for clients to request a fee waiver/reduction and what criteria and

documentation you will use to determine their eligibility. Refer to the two

samples in Section IX.

• Law Library. For the list of print and electronic legal resources, EOIR provided

guidance in Matter of EAC, Inc. In this decision, EOIR explained that

organizations must at a minimum have access to up-to-date copies of the

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), federal immigration regulations, and BIA

precedent decisions (available through the EOIR Virtual Law Library). Internet

access alone is sufficient for an approval of DOJ recognition. Nevertheless, we

strongly recommend that each office have print copies of at least one general

treatise on immigration law, such as Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook, as

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

well as annually updated print copies of the INA and Chapter 8 of the Code of

Federal Regulations (8 CFR). Refer to the list of law library resources in Section

IX.

• Budget. The organization’s budget for providing immigration legal services is a

simple document describing the sources of revenue and expenses. List the

amounts and sources of revenue or funding for the immigration program as well

as the program’s various operating expenses. The revenue and expenses should

be balanced. List any grants you receive by name and any fees you take in. You

may include “in kind” funding in your list, such as the value of volunteer hours,

donated supplies, or donated space. Be sure to take into account the often

substantial support your program receives if it has a “parent” agency. Often

overlooked are the contributions of free or below market rate rent, office

equipment use, office supplies, computers, software, information management

systems support, administrative costs, employee benefits, and the like. Be sure

you give a thorough accounting of all the resources that support your program.

• Technical Legal Support. If you do not have an attorney on staff, document

technical legal support by attorneys or fully accredited staff from other

organizations. Include information on the experience of the attorneys or fully

accredited staff (their background and qualifications), as well as any fees charged

for the support. Refer to the sample letter in Section IX.

• Resume. Resumes should include the individual’s education and only relevant,

immigration-related work experience. They should also list the types of

immigration forms the individual has worked on, by form number and title (for

example: N-400, Application for Naturalization). Include a list of all immigration

law trainings the individual has attended. Begin with the most recent training and

list them in reverse chronological order. Also indicate if the individual regularly

attends immigration liaison meetings with USCIS or other government agencies.

The resume should list any languages the individual speaks, as well as mentioning

the individual’s experience working with people from different countries. It is a

good idea to include any community service the applicant has performed. Finally,

the resume for the proposed representative should give the individual’s work

address and contact information rather than his/her personal contact information.

Refer to the sample in Section IX.

• Training. A proposed representative must have completed at least one formal

training course designed to give new practitioners a solid overview of the

fundamentals of immigration law, practice, and procedure. Refer to CLINIC’s

website at https://cliniclegal.org/training/accreditation for more information on

this requirement. We recommend that you highlight the course that fulfills this

requirement on your resume and include a copy of the agenda along with the

certificate of completion for this training.

In addition to a course that fulfills the overview requirement, we recommend

taking at least five to six other trainings, such as webinars, on a variety of

immigration law topics, especially recent changes and updates. All trainings

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

should be recent. We recommend presenting trainings attended within the last

three years.

Include the following information in the list of trainings: the title of the training;

the provider’s name; date(s) and duration of the training; the names and titles of

presenters; the topics covered; whether the training was attended in person or

through other means; and whether the training was open to the public.

Include a certificate of completion and agenda (if received) for all trainings.

Submit an affidavit for any trainings missing a certificate or other confirmation of

attendance from the host organization or trainer. Do not include PowerPoint

slides or handwritten training notes.

• Letters of Recommendation. Letters of recommendation should state how long

and in what capacity the recommender has known the proposed representative,

that the proposed representative has the character and fitness required for

accreditation, and that the proposed representative has broad knowledge and

adequate experience in immigration law. Refer to the samples in Section IX.

It is recommended that you obtain letters of recommendation from the supervisor

of the individual applying for accreditation and a local immigration law

practitioner who is familiar with the applicant’s immigration legal skills and

knowledge, i.e., a DOJ accredited representative or an attorney.

While at least two letters of recommendation are required to demonstrate

knowledge and experience of the proposed representative, there is no letter of

recommendation requirement for the organization. That being said, an

organization may want to provide letters of recommendation from community

members, particularly letters showing the organization’s involvement and

commitment to the community it serves and the quality of its services. Refer to

the sample in Section IX.

• Litigation Skills (For Full Accreditation Only). Evidence of litigation skills

(legal research, writing, and advocacy) might include copies of affidavits, briefs,

motions, legal memos, or similar work the individual has prepared, with all

identifying client information redacted. You may also include summaries of

individual cases on which the individual has worked that required litigation skills.

See the tips below for further details.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

Tips for Applying for Full Accreditation

• Include in your list of immigration law trainings any trainings you have

taken on removal defense, court skills, or oral and written trial and

appellate advocacy skills. While formal training is helpful, hands-on

experience is essential for full accreditation.

• Include in your resume an explanation of your experience working on

court cases and observing various kinds of cases in immigration court

under a mentor who is an attorney or full accredited representative. The

list may include proceedings observed before the immigration court,

USCIS, and circuit court, such as master calendar hearings and

individual hearings. The resume should demonstrate legal research,

writing, and advocacy skills. Refer to the sample resume in Section IX.

• Submit two redacted writing samples that demonstrate knowledge and

experience in immigration court cases, such as pleadings, declarations,

or motions you have written.

• Submit a strong letter of recommendation from a mentor who can attest

to your knowledge and experience in observing and working on

immigration court cases, as well as your character and fitness.

• In the letter of recommendation, the mentor should be sure to describe

his/her background and qualifications in immigration law.

• Submit a second letter of recommendation from an attorney, full

accredited representative, or supervisor who can attest to your

knowledge and experience with court cases.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

Section III. Applying for First-Time Agency

Staff Accreditation When the Agency Site is

Already Recognized

Applying for Accreditation

Once recognized, an organization can apply for additional staff to be accredited at any

time. However, if an organization loses its only accredited representative, it will be

placed on inactive status for up to two years and will lose its recognition unless it applies

for and receives approval of another staff person to be accredited within that time period.

The accreditation application requires considerably less supporting documentation than

the recognition application. If applying for accreditation of more than one staff at the

same time, submit a separate application packet (Form EOIR-31A and supporting

documentation) for each staff person.

Eligibility Requirements for Staff Accreditation

In order to be eligible for staff accreditation, the proposed representative must:

• Be an employee or volunteer of the organization;

• Have the character and fitness to represent clients;

• Have broad knowledge and adequate experience in immigration law and

procedure;

• Not be an attorney who is eligible to practice law in the U.S. or a U.S. territory,

commonwealth, or possession;

• Not have resigned while a disciplinary investigation or proceeding is pending;

• Not be subject to any order disbarring, suspending, enjoining, restraining, or

otherwise restricting him/her in the practice of law or representation before a

court or any administrative agency; and

• Not have been convicted of a serious crime anywhere in the world.

Application Contents

For each proposed representative, submit:

• Form EOIR-31A (Request by Organization for Accreditation or Renewal of

Accreditation of Non-Attorney Representative; January 2017 version)

o Be sure to complete and sign the Proof of Service section on page 3

• Evidence of Character and Fitness

o Character reference letter(s) from professionals in the community and/or

employment references (note that OLAP will conduct a criminal

background check for all applicants reference letter(s)

• Evidence of Knowledge and Experience

o Resume of proposed representative demonstrating knowledge and

experience in immigration law, practice, and procedure

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

o At least two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with the

proposed representative’s qualifications (knowledge, experience,

character, and fitness)

o Documentation of relevant education, formal training, and experience,

such as copies of certificates and agendas for immigration law trainings

attended, including documentation of at least one formal training course

designed to give new practitioners a solid overview of the fundamentals of

immigration law, practice, and procedure

o If seeking full accreditation, documentation of skills for effective

litigation, including, but not limited to, formal training, education, and/or

experience showing oral and written trial and appellate advocacy skills

Refer to Section II for tips for a strong application. Follow the directions in Section VII

on submitting the application, and where to send the application copies.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

Section IV. Renewing Agency Staff

Accreditation

Renewing Accreditation

An individual who is accredited must have his/her organization file an application to

renew accreditation on the individual’s behalf every three years. If an application for

renewal is filed on or before the expiration date, accreditation will remain valid pending

OLAP’s consideration of the application, and the representative can continue to represent

clients. This requires the organization to send it using a method that will provide

documentation that it was sent or mailed (postmarked) on or before the expiration date.

Many organizations send it by certified mail with return receipt requested. OLAP prefers

that you submit the application via e-mail. For more information, refer to the EOIR

website at https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-accreditation-program. While

not required, OLAP encourages filing the application at least 90 days before the

expiration date.

If the individual does not apply for renewal on time, his or her accreditation ends and

he/she is no longer authorized to practice immigration law. Therefore, it is vital that

representatives renew in a timely fashion. If not, the individual will not be eligible to

engage in the authorized practice of law until his or her accreditation application is

granted.

If there is no accredited representative currently on staff, and no attorney on staff, that

organization is not authorized to practice immigration law. At least one accredited

representative or attorney is required to practice immigration law. If an individual does

not renew on time, he or she must file a new application as soon as possible.

Additionally, an organization that lacks at least one accredited representative will be

removed from the roster and placed on inactive status by OLAP for up to two years. The

organization must apply for a new staff person to be accredited within that time period in

order to avoid losing its recognition.

The Renewal Application

The Form EOIR-31A is used to request renewal of accreditation. When completing the

form, pay particular attention to Part 5, which pertains to renewal. On the form, the

organization and representative must demonstrate the representative’s continuing

character and fitness to provide immigration legal representation and that the

representative continues to meet all the other requirements for accreditation.

It is critically important that program managers make clear to staff and volunteers that,

without current accreditation, they are not allowed to practice law and must not file

the G-28 form (Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited

Representative).

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

An organization may apply to change a representative’s accreditation from partial to full

at any time by checking Part 5B and submitting additional documentation of immigration

training and experience. Refer to Section II for tips for applying for full accreditation.

Eligibility Requirements for Staff Accreditation

In order to be eligible for staff accreditation, the proposed representative must:

• Be an employee or volunteer of the organization;

• Have the character and fitness to represent clients;

• Have broad knowledge and adequate experience in immigration law and

procedure;

• Not be an attorney who is eligible to practice law in the U.S. or a U.S. territory,

commonwealth, or possession;

• Not have resigned while a disciplinary investigation or proceeding is pending;

• Not be subject to any order disbarring, suspending, enjoining, restraining, or

otherwise restricting him/her in the practice of law or representation before a

court or any administrative agency; and

• Not have been convicted of a serious crime anywhere in the world.

Application Contents

An application for renewal of accreditation must include:

• Form EOIR-31A (Request by Organization for Accreditation or Renewal of

Accreditation of Non-Attorney Representative; January 2017 version)

• Updated resume with types of cases personally handled before immigration

agencies during the last approved period of accreditation and list of immigration

law trainings attended since last accreditation date

• Evidence of recent, formal trainings completed since last accreditation date, such

as training certificates* and agendas

• Copy of last accreditation approval letter

Note that letters of recommendation are not required for renewal of accreditation but may

be requested by OLAP on a case-by-case basis.

While there is no set requirement for the amount of additional training received since the

last accreditation period, the individual should show ongoing training. The training

format can be in-person, e-learning, or webinar. While live trainings are preferable, the

individual may also listen to recorded webinar trainings on immigration law websites

such as https://cliniclegal.org/ or http://www.immigrationadvocates.org/. We recommend

attending at least one in-depth training per year on immigration law, such as a two-day in

person training or a 4- to 6-week e-learning course, in addition to ongoing webinars and

other kinds of trainings. Trainings taken during the three-year practice period should

cover topics that reflect the representative’s caseload and changes to immigration laws,

policies, and regulations.

Refer to Section VII for guidance on submitting the application.

* Submit an affidavit for any trainings missing a certificate or other confirmation of

attendance from the host organization or trainer.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

Section V. Renewing Agency Site

Recognition

Requirements

Agency recognition must be renewed on a cycle. Organizations granted first-time

recognition on or after January 18, 2017 receive conditional recognition for two years and

must apply for renewal of recognition at the end of the two-year period. Once renewed,

recognition is valid for six years.

If an application for renewal is filed and postmarked on or before the expiration date,

recognition will remain valid pending OLAP’s consideration of the application, and the

site can continue to represent clients. This requires the organization to send it using a

method that will provide documentation that it was sent or mailed (postmarked) on or

before the expiration date. Many organizations send it by certified mail with return

receipt requested. OLAP prefers that you submit the application via e-mail. For more

information, refer to the EOIR website at https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-

accreditation-program. While not required, OLAP encourages filing the application at

least 90 days before the expiration date.

Eligibility Requirements for Agency Recognition Renewal

An organization renewing recognition must demonstrate that it continues to meet the

eligibility requirements for recognition. There are six requirements for agency

recognition:

• The organization must be a non-profit religious, charitable, social service, or

similar organization;

• The organization must have federal tax-exempt status;

• The organization must provide immigration legal services primarily to low-

income or indigent clients within the U.S.;

• The organization must have access to adequate knowledge, information, and

experience in immigration law and procedure;

• The organization must maintain at least one accredited representative on staff; and

• The organization must designate an authorized officer to act on its behalf.

Application Contents

An application for renewal of agency recognition must include:

• Form EOIR-31 (Request for New Recognition, Renewal of Recognition, or

Extension of Recognition of a Non-Profit Religious, Charitable, Social Service, or

Similar Organization; January 2017 version) - pay particular attention to Part 10

• Updated information on any unreported changes since the last recognition date

that impact eligibility, such as organizational chart, staff qualifications, technical

legal support arrangement, law library resources, etc.

• Immigration legal services budget for current year and past year (may be fiscal

year or calendar year budget)

• Annual summary of legal services performed each year for the time period

beginning with the date of the last grant of recognition until the time of renewal,

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

including: 1) total number of clients served; 2) clients served free of cost; 3)

general description of immigration legal services and immigration-related services

provided; 4) statement whether services were provided for free or for a fee; 5)

description of fee waiver/reduction policies; and 6) list of offices or locations

where services were provided

• Fee schedules used for immigration legal services from the date of the last grant

of recognition to the time of renewal, for each office or location where services

were provided

• At least one application for staff accreditation, if the organization does not have

any accredited representatives on staff (unless the organization has been placed on

inactive status and OLAP has granted additional time to hire and train a new staff

person to be accredited)

Refer to Section II for tips for a strong application. Follow the directions in Section VII

on submitting the application, and where to send the application copies.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

Section VI. Extending Agency Site Recognition to

Additional Sites

Requirements

An organization that has recognition at one office location may request extension of the

recognition to additional office locations at any time, as long as those locations meet the

same qualifications. To qualify for extension, the organization must demonstrate that the

sub-office(s) are under the supervision and control of the main office or headquarters;

have access to adequate legal resources; and share the same funding, management, and

operations as the main office.

OLAP may require an organization to seek separate recognition for an office or location

of the organization, for example, when a subordinate office or location has distinct

operations, management structure, or funding sources from the organization’s

headquarters.

To extend recognition, file Form EOIR-31 (January 2017 edition), with particular

attention to Parts 3 and 4. Copy Part 4 and attach additional pages if you are seeking to

extend recognition to more than one sub-office.

Application Contents

An application for extension of agency recognition must include:

• Form EOIR-31 (Request for New Recognition, Renewal of Recognition, or

Extension of Recognition of a Non-Profit Religious, Charitable, Social Service, or

Similar Organization; January 2017 version) – pay particular attention to Parts 3

and 4*

• Supporting documentation to demonstrate that the sub-office(s) qualify for

extension, i.e. a single organizational chart demonstrating supervision and control

of the main office over the sub-office(s), a list of law library resources for the

main and sub-office(s), a single fee schedule used by the main and sub-office(s),

and a combined budget for all office locations.

Follow the directions in Section VII on submitting the application and where to send

the application copies.

* Copy Part 4 and attach additional pages if you are seeking to extend recognition to

more than one sub-office.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

Section VII. Submitting the Application

Submitting the Application

The mailing process is the same whether for a combined recognition and accreditation

application, an accreditation application, an application for renewal of recognition or

accreditation, or an application for extension of recognition.

A complete application includes proof of service on USCIS. A proof of service is a

simple legal document that tells OLAP that you sent a complete copy of your application

packet to the appropriate USCIS District Director(s). The proof of service is included in

Form EOIR-31 (Part 12) and Form EOIR-31A (Part 7).

Be sure to organize the recognition and accreditation applications in separate sections.

For example, if you are applying for agency recognition and accreditation of two staff,

your application will have three separate sections.

1. Make several copies of the original application, so that you have enough for

USCIS, your organization, and (if you are an affiliate) World Relief or CLINIC.

2. Send the original application to OLAP. OLAP prefers that you scan and e-mail

the application packet to [email protected]. Guidelines for digital and

electronic signatures are provided on the EOIR website at

https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-and-accreditation-program. When

sending the application via e-mail, be sure to keep a copy of the sent e-mail and

get written confirmation of receipt from OLAP. You must maintain original

copies of all documents submitted via e-mail and be prepared to produce them for

EOIR upon request. If you wish to use regular mail instead of e-mail, send the

original application by certified mail, return receipt requested to:

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

3. Mail a copy of the application by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the

USCIS District Director for your area. If your organization has branch offices

and provides immigration legal services in more than one USCIS district, you

must provide proof of service and send a copy to each USCIS District Director.

To find where to send the USCIS copy, go to https://www.uscis.gov/scams-fraud-

and-misconduct/avoid-scams/become-an-authorized-provider and enter your zip

code in the USCIS District Office Finder. If you prefer to send the USCIS copy

by e-mail, you will find the e-mail address after the mailing address in the USCIS

District Office Finder.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

4. Keep one copy for your office.

5. Send an electronic copy to your point of contact at World Relief or CLINIC, if

you are an affiliate.

Expediting the Application

OLAP must provide USCIS with 30 days to respond to your application. If you wish to

expedite your application, you may contact USCIS before submitting your application

and ask USCIS to respond quickly to OLAP once your application is filed.

What Happens Next

After the organization files the application, OLAP will review all information contained

in the request. OLAP may review any publicly available information or any other

information that it may obtain or possess about the organization, its authorized officer, or

the proposed representative or that OLAP may have received from USCIS, ICE, or EOIR

investigations. Unfavorable information that may be relied upon to disapprove a

recognition or accreditation request, if not previously served on the organization, will be

disclosed to the organization, and the organization will be given a reasonable opportunity

to respond. The OLAP Director may request additional information from the

organization that is needed to make a determination. The OLAP director has the

discretion to extend the deadlines for the adjudication process.

USCIS Response to Application

USCIS is given 30 days from the date of service to respond to an application for

recognition or accreditation. The USCIS office may submit to the OLAP Director a

recommendation to approve or disapprove an application. The USCIS office may request

from the OLAP Director additional time, generally no more than 30 days, to conduct an

investigation or gather more information. The OLAP Director will inform the

organization of any grant of additional time to USCIS. USCIS must provide the

organization with a copy of any recommendation provided to OLAP to approve or

disapprove an application. If the recommendation is unfavorable, the organization has 30

days to respond to OLAP and must serve a copy of the response on USCIS.

Request for Reconsideration

A decision by OLAP to approve a request for recognition or accreditation is final. A

decision to deny a request may be appealed with a “request for reconsideration” that is

filed within 30 days of the denial. A request for reconsideration should not include any

new material on the application. Rather, it should point out specific factual and/or legal

errors in OLAP’s decision. If the request for reconsideration is denied, the organization

may file a request for administrative review within 10 days of the denial. An organization

whose request for recognition or accreditation is denied may submit a new application at

any time unless otherwise prohibited.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

Section VIII. After Recognition & Accreditation

Requirements

Organizations that are recognized by OLAP must abide by certain requirements for

reporting, recordkeeping, and posting.

Reporting

A recognized organization is required to promptly (within 30 days) notify the OLAP

Director in writing of changes in the organization’s contact information; changes to any

material information the organization provided in Form EOIR-31, Form EOIR-31A, or

the supporting documentation for these applications; or changes that otherwise materially

relate to the organization’s eligibility for recognition or the eligibility for accreditation of

any of the organization’s accredited representatives. Examples of such changes include:

notifying OLAP of a change of name, address, telephone number, website address, or

authorized officer for the organization; notifying OLAP when an accredited

representative (paid or volunteer) leaves the organization; and notifying OLAP of a

change in the organization’s non-profit or Federal tax exempt status.

If an organization loses its only accredited representative, it must notify OLAP within 30

days. The organization will be placed on inactive status for a period of up to two years

and removed from the roster of recognized organizations

(https://www.justice.gov/eoir/recognition-accreditation-roster-reports). If the

organization wishes to keep its recognition, it must recruit, train, and obtain accreditation

for a new staff person or volunteer within the two-year period.

To report changes to OLAP, the authorized officer may send an e-mail to R-A-

[email protected]. We recommend keeping a copy of the e-mail for your records.

Recordkeeping

A recognized organization is required to compile certain records in a timely manner and

retain them for a period of six years from the last date the organization was recognized

(the date of initial recognition or renewal of recognition), for as long as the organization

remains recognized:

1) The organization’s immigration legal services fee schedule, if the organization

charges fees, for each office or location where services are provided; and

2) An annual (January – December) summary of immigration legal services provided

by the organization for each year which includes:

• The total number of clients served (whether through client intakes,

applications prepared and filed with DHS, cases in which its attorneys or

accredited representatives appeared before the Immigration Courts or the

Board (if applicable), or referrals to other attorneys or organizations;

• Clients to which it provided services at no cost;

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

• A general description of the immigration legal services and other

immigration-related services (non-legal) provided;

• A statement regarding whether services were provided pro bono or clients

were charged in accordance with a fee schedule;

• Organizational policies or guidance regarding fee waivers and reduced fees;

and

• A list of the offices or locations where the immigration legal services were

provided.

The summary should not include any client-specific or client-identifying information.

OLAP may require the organization to submit such records to it or to DHS upon request.

Posting

A recognized organization may be required to post in its offices certain public notices

regarding recognition and accreditation as requested by OLAP. The information in the

public notices is limited to the names and validity periods of a recognized organization

and its accredited representatives, the requirements for recognition and accreditation, and

the means to complain about a recognized organization or accredited representative.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

Section IX. Sample Application Documents for

Agency Site Recognition and Agency Staff

Accreditation

NOTE: These are not samples from actual applications, and there is no guarantee that

such applications would be approved.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR RECOGNITION AND ACCREDITATION

REQUEST

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: REQUEST FOR RECOGNITION OF [organization name] LOCATED AT [full

address]

REQUEST FOR PARTIAL ACCREDITATION OF [organization name]

EMPLOYEES [full name] AND [full name]

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

I ask the Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP) to please grant recognition to the

office mentioned above under 8 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section 1292.11.

Please also grant [full name] and [full name] agency staff accreditation pursuant to 8

CFR, Section 1292.12.

[Organization name] currently provides English as a Second Language classes, Spanish

classes, international student activities, and referral services for immigrants and refugees

in [city, state]. With this application, [organization name] seeks to begin providing

immigration legal services, as there is a significant unmet need in this area.

Enclosed, please find a completed Form EOIR-31 along with supporting documentation.

In addition, please find two applications for accreditation with supporting documentation.

We have included a full list of enclosures below. In addition, we are providing the date

of birth for the two applicants for the background check: [full name, DOB; full name,

DOB].

Thank you very much for your fair and rapid consideration of our request on behalf of

[organization name] for agency site recognition and agency staff partial accreditation.

Sincerely,

[Name of Authorized Officer]

[Job Title]

Enclosures:

Form EOIR-31 Application for New Recognition

Mission Statement

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

Bylaws

Articles of Incorporation

Evidence of Federal Tax Exempt Status: IRS 501 (c) 3 letter

Organizational Chart

Letter from CLINIC regarding technical legal support

List of Law Library Resources

Budget for Immigration Legal Services

Fee Schedule

Fee Waiver Policy

Letter of Recommendation for [organization name] from [name and affiliation]

Letter of Recommendation for [organization name] and [staff name] from [name and

affiliation]

EOIR-31A Application for [name]

Resume for [name]

Copies of Certificates and Agendas for Immigration Law Trainings for [name]

Letter of Recommendation for [name] from [name and affiliation]

EOIR-31A Application for [name]

Resume for [name]

Copies of Certificates and Agendas for Immigration Law Trainings for [name]

Letter of Recommendation for [name] from [name and affiliation]

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR PARTIAL ACCREDITATION REQUEST

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: Request for partial accreditation of [organization name] staff member [full name]

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

[Organization name] is a DOJ recognized organization located at [full address]. With this

application, [organization] is seeking partial accreditation for its staff member, [name].

Enclosed, please find a completed Form EOIR-31A along with supporting

documentation. We have included a full list of enclosures below. In addition, we are

providing [name’s] date of birth for the background check: _______.

Thank you very much for your fair and rapid consideration of [organization’s] request for

partial accreditation for [name].

Sincerely,

[Name of Authorized Officer]

[Job Title]

Enclosures:

• Form EOIR-31A

• Resume for [staff name]

• Copies of certificates and agendas for trainings attended

• Two letters of recommendation from [name of current supervisor] and [name of

immigration attorney or DOJ accredited representative]

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR FULL ACCREDITATION REQUEST

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: Request for full accreditation of [organization name] staff member [full name of

staff]

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

[Organization name] is a DOJ recognized organization located at [full address]. With this

application, [organization] is seeking full accreditation for its staff member, [name].

Enclosed, please find a completed Form EOIR-31A along with supporting

documentation. We have included a full list of enclosures below. In addition, we are

providing [name’s] date of birth for the background check: _______.

Thank you very much for your fair and rapid consideration of [organization’s] request for

full accreditation for [name].

Sincerely,

[Name of Authorized Officer]

[Job Title]

Enclosures:

• Form EOIR-31A

• Resume for [staff name]

• Copies of certificates and agendas for trainings attended

• Two redacted writing samples demonstrating written trial and appellate advocacy

skills

• Log of experiences and observations at the Immigration Court

• Two letters of recommendation from 1) a mentor who is an attorney or fully

accredited representative and 2) current supervisor OR another attorney or fully

accredited representative who can vouch for staff person’s knowledge and

experience in immigration law

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR RECOGNITION RENEWAL REQUEST

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: REQUEST FOR RENEWAL OF RECOGNITION FOR [organization name]

LOCATED AT: [full address]

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

I ask the Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP) to please grant renewal of recognition

to the office mentioned above under 8 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Section

1292.16.

[Organization] currently provides charitable immigration legal services to immigrants

and refugees, including family-based immigration, naturalization, inadmissibility

waivers, DACA, TPS, and more. [Organization] also provides citizenship classes for

naturalization applicants.

With this application, [organization] seeks to continue providing charitable immigration

legal services, as there is a significant need in this area.

Enclosed, please find a completed Form EOIR-31 along with supporting documentation.

We have included a full list of enclosures below.

Thank you very much for your fair and rapid consideration of our request on behalf of

[organization] for recognition renewal.

Sincerely,

[Name of Authorized Officer]

[Job Title]

Enclosures:

• Form EOIR-31

• Organizational Chart

• Accreditation Approval Letter(s) for [name(s) of currently accredited staff]

• Technical Legal Support Letter from [provider] (if applicable)

• List of Immigration Law Library Resources

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

• Budget for Current Year, 2021

• Budget for Previous Year, 2020

• Annual Summary for 2021, 2020, and 2019

• Fee Schedule(s) Used for 2019-2021

• Fee Waiver/Reduction Policy(ies) Used for 2019-2021

NOTE: You must include updated information on any unreported changes since the last

recognition date that affect eligibility, so there may be additional enclosures not listed

above. Also, if your organization does not have any accredited staff, you must include at

least one application for staff accreditation in this packet, unless you have been granted

additional time by OLAP to prepare your staff for accreditation.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR ACCREDITATION RENEWAL REQUEST

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: Request for renewal of partial accreditation of [organization name] staff member

[full name]

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

[Organization name] is a DOJ recognized organization located at [full address]. With this

application, [organization] is seeking renewal of partial accreditation for its staff member,

[name].

Enclosed, please find a completed Form EOIR-31A along with supporting

documentation. We have included a full list of enclosures below. In addition, we are

providing [name’s] date of birth for the background check: _______.

Thank you very much for your fair and rapid consideration of [organization’s] request for

renewal of partial accreditation for [name].

Sincerely,

[Name of Authorized Officer]

[Job Title]

Enclosures:

• Form EOIR-31A

• Updated resume for [staff name] [with list of trainings attended since last

accreditation date]

• Copies of certificates and agendas for trainings attended since last accreditation

date

• Copy of last letter approving accreditation

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR RECOGNITION EXTENSION REQUEST

[DATE]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: Request for extension of recognition to [number] [organization name] offices

located at [full address of each]

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

[Organization] is a DOJ recognized organization with its main office located at [full

address].

With this application, [organization] is seeking extension of recognition to [number] sub-

office locations in [list cities].

Enclosed, please find a completed Form EOIR-31 along with an updated organizational

chart to demonstrate that [organization] exercises supervision and control over its

accredited representatives at the sub-office locations. We are also providing a list of

immigration law library resources available at all [organization] office locations to

demonstrate that they have access to adequate legal resources. To demonstrate that all

offices share the same funding, management, and operations, we are providing a current

budget for the immigration program that includes the sub-offices and a current fee

schedule used at all office locations. We have included a list of attachments below.

Thank you very much for your fair and rapid consideration of [organization’s] request for

extension of recognition.

Sincerely,

[Name of Authorized Officer]

[Job Title]

Attachments:

• Form EOIR-31 requesting extension of recognition

• Current organizational chart

• List of law library resources for all office locations

• Current budget for immigration program

• Current fee schedule for immigration program

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE LIST OF IMMIGRATION LAW LIBRARY RESOURCES

This is only a sample, not a complete list of immigration references and resources.

Depending on the types of immigration services your organization provides, seek other

resources by talking to experts in the field. At a minimum, it is recommended that your

organization have print copies of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title 8

of the Code of Federal Regulations (8 CFR) as well as online resources, which are readily

available. In addition, it is highly recommended that your organization have a budget to

purchase and update immigration law library resources annually since immigration laws

change constantly.

Print Resources

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), latest edition

Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (8 CFR), latest edition

Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook, 17

Edition, Ira J. Kurzban and the National

Immigration Lawyers Association, 2020

A Guide for Immigration Advocates, 22

Edition, Immigrant Legal Resource Center,

2020

Naturalization & U.S. Citizenship: The Essential Legal Guide, 16

Edition, Immigrant

Legal Resource Center, 2020

U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Handbook, 2020-2021 Edition, Daniel Levy, Charles

Roth, and the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild

Immigration Law and the Family, 6

Edition, Charles Wheeler and the American

Immigration Lawyers Association, 2020

FOIA Requests and Other Background Checks: A Practical Guide to Filing Records

Requests in Immigration Cases, 2

Edition, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, 2020

Hardship in Immigration Law: How to Prepare Winning Applications for Hardship

Waivers and Cancellation of Removal, 14

Edition, Immigrant Legal Resource Center,

2017

Inadmissibility and Deportability, 5

Edition, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, 2019

The VAWA Manual: Immigration Relief for Abused Immigrants, 8

Edition, Immigrant

Legal Resource Center, 2020

Online Resources

Executive Office for Immigration Review Virtual Law Library,

https://www.justice.gov/eoir/virtual-law-library

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

USCIS’ website with the current INA, 8 CFR, all immigration-related forms, policy

manuals, and updates from the government, https://www.uscis.gov/

Department of State Visa Bulletin, https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-

policy/bulletin.html

USCIS Guide to Naturalization, https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/article/M-

476.pdf

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) Citizenship Toolkit, available at

https://cliniclegal.org/toolkits/citizenship

CLINIC Case Management Toolkit, available at https://cliniclegal.org/toolkits/case-

management

CLINIC handbook, Managing an Immigration Program: Steps for Creating and

Increasing Legal Capacity,

https://cliniclegal.org/resources/program-management/managing-immigration-program-

steps-creating-and-increasing-legal

Basic Procedural Manual for Asylum Representation, National Immigrant Justice Center,

https://www.immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/library/

CLINIC’s monthly affiliate newsletter and daily list serve with immigration law updates,

news from the Catholic network, a training schedule, and information on immigration

advocacy efforts

Immigration Advocates Network (IAN), www.immigrationadvocates.org list serve and

web-based library with podcasts, webinars, video trainings, calendar of training dates,

and news alerts

USCIS e-mail updates regarding policy changes and new guidelines

Detention Watch Network Listserv, https://www.detentionwatchnetwork.org/signup

National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild Member Listserv,

https://www.nationalimmigrationproject.org/listservs.html

Siskind’s Immigration Bulletin, http://www.visalaw.com/immigration-resources/bulletin/

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

Catholic Charities, Inc. Diocese of Any City

Immigration Legal Services

Organization Chart

Board of Directors

Director

Program Operations

NAME

Immigration Program Director

NAME

DOJ Accredited Representative (Partial)

Based in Any City (Main Office)

(Travels to each sub-office monthly)

Executive Director

NAME

Name of City

Immigration

Sub-Office

Immigration

Specialist

NAME

DOJ Accredited

Rep. (Partial)

Name of City

Immigration

Sub-Office

Immigration

Specialist

NAME

DOJ Accredited

Rep. (Partial)

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE BUDGET FOR IMMIGRATION PROGRAM (1)

[On organization’s letterhead]

IMMIGRATION PROGRAM BUDGET FOR CURRENT YEAR

(JANUARY – DECEMBER 2021)

Revenue:

• Local Church Mission Fund $3,500.00

• Local Church in-kind donation $15,000.00

- Rent and utilities

• Southern District of Larger Denomination $26,000.00

• Community Foundation $2,000.00

• Individual Contributions $2,500.00

• Projected Fees $5,000.00

Total $54,000.00

Expenses:

• Rent/Utilities in-kind $15,000.00

• Office supplies and computers $3,000.00

• Liability Insurance $2,000.00

• Case Management Software $3,000.00

• Training $1,500.00

• Legal Library $2,000.00

• Payroll Expenses (1 full-time DOJ representative) $26,000.00

• Technical Legal Support $1,500.00

Total $54,000.00

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE BUDGET FOR IMMIGRATION PROGRAM (2)

[On organization’s letterhead]

IMMIGRATION PROGRAM BUDGET FOR CURRENT YEAR, FY 2020/2021

(July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021)

INCOME

Source Amount

Fundraising

Radiothon $5,000

Parish Support $7,000

Individual Contributions $4,300

Client Fees $20,000

In-Kind Support for Space/Utilities $11,000

City of Anytown Grant $10,000

TOTAL $57,300

EXPENSES

Source Amount

Staff Salaries and Benefits $50,000

Office Supplies (postage, printing, etc.) $2,000

Immigration Training & Law Library $1,500

Case Management Software $3,000

CLINIC Membership $800

TOTAL $57,300

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE FEE SCHEDULE

[On organization’s letterhead]

IMMIGRATION SERVICES FEE SCHEDULE

EFFECTIVE [DATE]

Form

Service

Fee

Initial Consultation Fee

$40

N-400

Citizenship

$200

N-565

Replace Naturalization Certificate

$100

N-600

Certificate of Citizenship

$100

I-90

Renew/Replace Green Card

$100

I-102

Replace 1-94 Card

$100

I-129R1

Religious Worker Visa

$300

I-129F

Fiancé Petition

$250

I-130

Alien Relative Petition (stand-alone)

$200

I-130

"One Step" Adjustment of Status Package for Spouse/Child

Over 14 (includes I-485, I-131, I-765, I-864, and G-325A)

$400

• For child under 14

$350

I-485

Adjustment of Status (non-immediate relative)

$300

• For child under 14

$150

I-485

Refugee/Asylee Adjustment of Status

$150

I-485A

Adjustment of Status Supplement A

$100

DS-230

Consular Packet

$300

• Each additional family member

$100

I-131

Travel Document

$100

I-134

Affidavit of Support for Visit

$100

I-539

Extend/Change Status

$150

I-751

Removal of Conditions

$200

I-765

Employment Authorization

$75

I-821

Temporary Protected Status

$100

I-864

Affidavit of Support

$150

I-864A

Affidavit of Support Joint Sponsor

$125

I-360

Petition for Widow/Battered Spouse or Child

$300

I-824

Application for Action on Approved Application or Petition

$100

I-730

Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition

$50

I-918

Complete U-Visa

$400

AR-11

Change of Address

$10

Infopass Appointment (one per application free)

$25

Translate Document

$20/page

• Cap on translation

$40

NOTE: No one will be turned away based on inability to pay. A fee waiver is

available for those who qualify. USCIS charges separate fees for processing

applications filed. Those USCIS filing fees are not reflected above.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE FEE WAIVER POLICY

[On organization’s letterhead]

Fee Waiver Policy

No one will be turned away due to inability to pay.

A client who is unable to pay for services may ask for a fee waiver for [organization’s] fees.

Please see our guidelines below.

A client may request a fee waiver for [organization’s] fees if his/her household income (includes

all income from all adults contributing to the expenses of the household) is at or below 100% of

the Federal Poverty Guidelines and he/she has less than $2,000 in checking/savings/cash assets

that belong to him/her or a spouse (after paying all the fees connected to the current case).

Family Size

Annual

Monthly

Weekly

$12,880

$1,073

$248

$17,420

$1,452

$335

$21,960

$1,830

$422

$26,500

$2,208

$510

$31,040

$2,587

$597

$35,580

$2,965

$684

$40,120

$3,343

$772

$44,660

$3,722

$859

Each Add'l

$4,540

$378

$87

100% of the 2021 Federal Poverty Level Guidelines

A client may also request a fee waiver if he/she receives a means tested local, state, or federal

government benefit (such as food stamps, TANF, Medicaid, or Supplemental Social Income) or

in cases of extreme economic hardship.

All fee waiver applicants must complete a Fee Waiver Application Form detailing their situation.

In addition, applicants must submit documentation, which could include:

• Current pay stubs or other proof of income

• Current bank statement

• Most recent tax return

• Proof of current public benefits received

• Proof of extreme economic hardship

All fee waivers are determined by [organization’s] treasurer and executive director.

A client who receives a fee waiver from [organization] is still responsible for applicable fees from

USCIS/NVC. However, if appropriate and available, we will also help the client complete a

USCIS fee waiver request.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE FEE WAIVER/REDUCTION POLICY (SLIDING SCALE)

[On organization’s letterhead]

FEE WAIVER/REDUCTION POLICY*

Immigration Ministry will reduce or waive fees for clients who formally request and

prove that they cannot afford to pay the immigration legal service fees charged by

Immigration Ministry at Local Church. Clients requiring a waiver of fees charged by

USCIS must submit a separate waiver directly to the Federal Government.

The criteria for reducing or waiving fees will be based on the U.S. Federal Poverty

Guidelines. The following sliding fee scale is implemented:

• If a client falls at or below 130% of the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines,

100% of the recommended fees may be waived.

• If a client falls between 131% and 200% of the U.S. Federal Poverty

Guidelines, 50% of the recommended fees may be waived.

Clients requesting a fee waiver or reduced fee must complete a Fee Waiver/Reduction

Application Form and submit acceptable documentation to verify their income level, such

as their most recent federal tax return, pay stubs, bank statement, proof of current public

benefits received, proof of extreme economic hardship, or other form of documentation.

A fee waiver/reduction may only be granted by the Program Director of Immigration

Ministry at Any Church. If a client is granted a fee waiver, he or she must sign and agree

to the Fee Waiver/Reduction Application Form.

The 2021 U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 Contiguous States and the District

of Columbia, located at https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines, are as follows:

Household Size

100% of Poverty

Level

130% of Poverty

Level

200% of Poverty

Level

$12,880

$16,744

$25,760

$17,420

$22,646

$34,840

$21,960

$28,548

$43,920

$26,500

$34,450

$53,000

$31,040

$40,352

$62,080

$35,580

$46,254

$71,160

$40,120

$52,156

$80,240

$44,660

$58,058

$89,320

For each additional

person, add

$4,540

$5,902

$9,080

*Immigration Ministry at Any Church has the right to amend this fee waiver policy at

any time.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE RESUME FOR PARTIAL ACCREDITATION

Susan S. Sanchez

Any Church

1234 Main Street, Any Town, State 98765

555-222-1278

[email protected]

[Use the individual’s work address and contact information

rather than his/her personal contact information. You may

also put the resume on organization letterhead.]

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

[Only include experience that involves immigrants and working with other cultures.

Be sure to include any shadowing or hands-on experience gained with other

organizations.]

Any Church

Multicultural Ministries Volunteer September 2019-Present

• Volunteered in a number of outreach activities geared toward serving immigrants in

the Any Town area.

• Led setup of Immigration Ministry including obtaining training and hands on

experience, fundraising and logistics management.

World Relief DuPage/Aurora Wheaton, IL

Internship October 2020

• Received training in immigration law and program management

• Under the supervision of DOJ accredited representatives, observed and assisted in

conducting client intakes; filling out forms; document review and compilation; case

management and follow-up.

Advocacy Organization for Immigration Reform Suburb, ST

Volunteer April-June 2019

• Organized a Forum on Immigration Reform that discussed a summary of the U.S.

Senate Proposed legislation.

• Raised money for the event which consisted of making calls, sending emails, and

visiting potential financial contributors.

• We invited the media, community members, organizers, lawyers, professors as well

as Council members.

Immigration Benefit Applications Assisted and Familiar with:

[Make sure to list both the form number and name.]

AR-11 Change of Address

G-28 Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative

G-639 Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request

I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card

I-130 Petition for Alien Relative

I-131 Application for Travel Document

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status [Asylum and

Family-Based Applications]

I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

I-589 Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal

I-751 Petition to Remove the Condition on Residence

I-765 Application for Employment Authorization

I-765WS (Complement with Employment Authorization for DACA)

I-821D Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

I-912 Request for Fee Waiver

I-918 Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status

I-918 Supplement A, Petition for Qualifying Family Member of U-1Recipient

I-918 Supplement B, U Nonimmigrant Status Certification

N-400 Application for Naturalization

N-565 Application for Replacement of Naturalization/Citizenship Document

N-600 Application for Certificate of Citizenship

EDUCATION

Bachelors of Arts in French May 2016

University of the Upper Peninsula, MI

IMMIGRATION TRAININGS

[Make sure you have at least one recent course that provides a comprehensive

overview of immigration law. Ideally you want 5-6 other recent trainings to

supplement the comprehensive overview course. It is fine if the majority of

trainings are web-based. Make sure to list the organization that actually taught the

training, not the host organization. If in-person, list city and state. For each

training, add a couple of sentences describing what was taught, or attach the

training agenda.]

Life after DACA

By: Organization name(s)

Webinar December 1, 2020

One or two sentences describing what the training covered.

Immigration Program Management Techniques and Strategies

By: Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

Webinar November 26, 2020

One or two sentences describing what the training covered.

Getting In-and-Out While You Wait: Travel for U Conditional Grantees

By: Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. and ASISTA

Webinar October 8, 2020

One or two sentences describing what the training covered.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

***Comprehensive Overview of Immigration Law: A Course for New Practitioners (a

course on the fundamentals of immigration law, procedure, and practice.)

By: Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.

6-week, Intensive E-learning Course July 6 – August 20, 2020

One or two sentences describing what the training covered.

Special Immigrant Juvenile Status

By: U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants

Webinar June 2, 2020

One or two sentences describing what the training covered.

Affidavit of Support

By: World Relief

Webinar May 11, 2020

One or two sentences describing what the training covered.

Immigrations Consequences of Criminal Convictions

By: Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project

Los Angeles, CA (in-person training) October 10, 2019

One or two sentences describing what the training covered.

Naturalization Application Training Workshop/Clinic Volunteers

By: Asian Americans Advancing Justice

Los Angeles, CA (in-person training) May 21, 2019

One or two sentences describing what the training covered.

SPECIAL SKILLS

Language: Fluent in Spanish and English

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE RESUME FOR FULL ACCREDITATION

Josephine Blauer

World Relief Kalamazoo

135 Blueberry Way

Kalamazoo, MI 12345

(443) 451-1992

[email protected]

[Please note: use organization contact information,

not your personal contact information]

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

[For employment entries, you should show the title, organization, time worked, and

basic job duties for each job in which you gained immigration experience.]

Immigration Advocate

World Relief Kalamazoo December 2017-Present

• Partially accredited representative since x date.

• Evaluate clients’ eligibility for immigration benefits and possible bars to

immigration.

• Assist eligible clients with completion of appropriate immigration benefit

applications and filing.

• Assist clients to schedule immigration appointments.

• Represent clients at naturalization interviews before USCIS.

• Assist clients with translation of legal documents.

• Attend ongoing immigration law trainings to maintain accreditation and stay up to

date on new developments in immigration law.

• Review immigration list serves and websites regularly to stay up to date on

immigration changes.

• Provide immigration referrals when necessary.

• Attend monthly meetings with USCIS District Office.

• Conduct outreach and information sessions to inform community members about

immigration benefits and new developments.

Advocacy, Research, & Writing Skills

• Working under the supervision of an immigration attorney for six months, gained

experience needed for full accreditation.

• Gained experience in conducting legal research; interviewing clients; writing

declarations, affidavits, pleadings, and motions; preparing clients for immigration

court hearings; and observing proceedings before the immigration court.

• Observed master calendar hearing for clients of Jane Attorney, Esq. at [name of]

Immigration Court on x date.

• Observed individual hearing for client of Jane Attorney, Esq. at Immigration

Court on x date.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

Please see attached, redacted writing samples related to court cases assisted with.

Please see attached log for a full list of experiences and observations at the Immigration

Court.

Immigration Benefit Applications Assisted with:

[These are common forms that advocates may have completed. List only the forms

you have actually prepared, and add any that are not listed here. Add the number

and title of the form.]

AR-11 Change of Address

G-325A Biographic Information

G-639 Freedom of Information/Privacy Act Request

I-90 Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card

I-102 Application for Replacement/Initial Nonimmigrant Arrival/Departure

Record

I-130 Petition for Alien Relative

I-131 Application for Travel Document

I-134 Affidavit of Support

I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or to Adjust Status [Indicate

whether for Refugees, Asylees, and/or Family-Based Applications]

I-602 Application by Refugee For Waiver of Grounds of Excludability

I-730 Refugee/Asylee Relative Petition

I-751 Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence

I-765 Application for Employment Authorization

I-864 Affidavit of Support

I-864A Affidavit of Support Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member

I-864EZ Affidavit of Support

I-864W Intending Immigrant's Affidavit of Support Exemption

N-400 Application for Naturalization

N-600 Application for Certification of Citizenship

N-648 Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions

EDUCATION

Bachelors of Arts in French May 2012

University of the Upper Peninsula, MI

[You may add the date of graduation if you like, but it is not required.]

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

IMMIGRATION TRAININGS

[List recent trainings in the last three years. Seek advanced level trainings to

prepare for full accreditation.]

Court Skills Training for Partially Accredited Representatives

In-Person Training in Chicago, Illinois

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. month/day/year

Representing Clients in Removal Proceedings

Eight Webinar Series

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. month/day/year

Asylum for DACA and TPS Holders

Webinar

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. month/day/year

Written and Oral Advocacy in Immigration Court

Webinar

Immigration Advocates Network month/day/year

Challenging the Government’s Case in Immigration Court

Webinar

Immigration Advocates Network month/day/year

The Federal Rules of Evidence: What Immigration

Court Representatives Need to Know

Webinar

Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. month/day/year

Getting Clients Released on Bond

Webinar

Florence Immigrant & Refugee Rights Project month/day/year

Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic

Annual Immigration Law Seminar

School of Law, City, State month/day/year

SPECIAL SKILLS

Fluent in Spanish, French, and English

Extensive experience working with immigrants and refugees from various cultures and

countries, such as: France, Kenya, Sudan, Thailand, Burma, Canada, Mexico, Colombia

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE LOG OF COURT EXPERIENCES AND OBSERVATIONS FOR FULL

ACCREDITATION

LOG OF EXPERIENCES AND OBSERVATIONS AT THE IMMIGRATION

COURT FOR [NAME OF APPLICANT]

DATE

LOCATION

TYPE OF CASE

February 13, 2019

Charlotte Immigration Court

Individual Hearing with mentor

[NAME], Esq. Case was dealing

with cancellation of removal.

March 21, 2019

Charlotte Immigration Court

Individual Hearing with mentor

[NAME], Esq. for cancellation of

removal case.

August 15, 2019

Charlotte Immigration Court

Master Calendar Hearing. Cases

included asylum, cancellation of

removal, and adjustment of status.

September 26, 2019

Charlotte Immigration Court

Master Calendar Hearing. Cases

included asylum and cancellation of

removal.

October 3, 2019

Charlotte Immigration Court

Master Calendar Hearing. Cases

included asylum, cancellation of

removal, and adjustment of status.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE AFFIDAVIT FOR TRAININGS MISSING A CERTIFICATE OF

COMPLETION

To whom it may concern:

I, [full name of applicant], attest under penalty of perjury that I completed the following

immigration trainings, but I am unable to provide a certificate of completion for them.

Immigration Trainings Attended by [name of applicant]

Date

Training Title

Type of

Training

Provided By

Subjects Covered

Signature: __________________________________ Date: _______________________

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR OFFICE RECOGNITION

This should be written like a standard letter of recommendation. The information

in bold must be included though not necessarily in those exact words.

[On letterhead of writer’s organization]

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: Recommendation for Office Recognition of World Relief Kalamazoo, MI

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for recognition by the Department of

Justice for World Relief Kalamazoo. I am very familiar with the work of World Relief

Kalamazoo and highly recommend it for office recognition from the DOJ. I have been

familiar with World Relief Kalamazoo since [date], when I became Mayor of Our

Town, MI, near Kalamazoo.

World Relief participates in an immigrant task force that is run out of my office. This

task force meets regularly, and World Relief is an active and important participating

organization. Because World Relief works with refugees and immigrants in the

community, its perspectives are vital to the task force and our city’s relationship with

refugees and immigrants. Our Town, Kalamazoo, and the surrounding area has a

significant low-income constituency and World Relief plays a crucial role in meeting the

needs of this community.

I believe that World Relief Kalamazoo has the necessary knowledge and experience

required to provide quality legal services. The organization has a good reputation in

our community for its work with refugees and immigrants.

Additionally, there is a great need for quality low-cost immigration legal services in the

Kalamazoo area, due to the large population of immigrants and the shortage of

immigration legal services providers.

I strongly support World Relief’s application for office recognition, as it will allow the

office to provide quality immigration legal services to our community. Please contact me

at [contact information] if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Mayor of Our Town, MI

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR PARTIAL

ACCREDITATION (from attorney or fully accredited representative)

This should be written like a standard letter of recommendation. The information

in bold must be included though not necessarily in those exact words.

[On letterhead of writer’s organization]

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: Recommendation for Partial Accreditation of Susan Sanchez

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for partial accreditation of Susan

Sanchez. I am a licensed immigration attorney with 10 years of experience practicing

immigration law at Adelante, a non-profit agency in Wheaton, IL. I am admitted to the

Bar in Illinois. My practice focuses on family-based immigration, deportation and

removal hearings, VAWA, and asylum.

I have known Ms. Sanchez since [date], when she came to work for Any Church. Since

that time she has worked as an Immigration Advocate for that office. We have attended

many meetings and immigration trainings together. I am familiar with her work as she

has provided interpretation services for a number of my clients and has helped coordinate

citizenship workshops with various non-profits in the area.

She has attended numerous trainings on immigration law and has gained extensive

experience assisting immigrants and refugees with immigration applications. I find Ms.

Sanchez to have the character and fitness required to provide immigration legal

services to clients. She is an excellent immigration worker and is well-respected in the

community. I strongly believe she has the necessary knowledge and experience to

warrant receiving partial accreditation from the Department of Justice.

I am available to support the Any Church office and Ms. Sanchez with immigration

questions and strategy. I am available in person, by phone, or by email on a pro bono

basis.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

I strongly recommend Ms. Sanchez for partial accreditation from the Department of

Justice.

Please contact me at [contact information] if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

NAME, Esq.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR FULL ACCREDITATION

(from mentor who is attorney or fully accredited representative)

This should be written like a standard letter of recommendation. The information

in bold must be included though not necessarily in those exact words.

[On letterhead of writer’s organization]

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: Recommendation for Full Accreditation of Josephine Blauer

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for full accreditation of Josephine

Blauer. I am a licensed immigration attorney with 10 years of experience practicing

immigration law at Adelante, a non-profit agency in Kalamazoo, MI. I am admitted to

the Bar in Michigan. My practice focuses on family-based immigration, deportation and

removal hearings, VAWA, and asylum.

Ms. Blauer has been partially accredited since [date]. As an Immigration Advocate at

World Relief Kalamazoo, she has extensive experience assisting immigrants and refugees

with immigration applications, and also has experience in representing clients at USCIS

interviews.

I have known Ms. Blauer for more than two years and have been mentoring her and

helping her prepare for full accreditation for the past six months. Ms. Blauer has

attended numerous trainings in immigration law, which are detailed in her resume. She

has accompanied me to the immigration court in our city on a regular basis to observe

proceedings, including master calendar hearings and individual case hearings. Under my

supervision, she has also gained significant experience in legal research, writing, and

preparing clients for court hearings. Her writing experience includes preparing

pleadings, declarations, and motions for court cases. I have personally observed Ms.

Blauer’s attention to detail and have reviewed thorough, quality declarations that she has

prepared for clients. She has a keen ability to hone in on relevant facts and identify

potential legal issues. She is able to communicate in a persuasive and effective manner,

both verbally and in writing.

I believe Ms. Blauer has the character and fitness to represent clients. She is an

excellent immigration worker and is well-respected in the community. I believe she has

the necessary training and experience to warrant full accreditation from the

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

Department of Justice. There is a great need for quality legal services in our local area,

especially representation before the Immigration Court, due the large population of

immigrants and the shortage of immigration legal service providers. Ms. Blauer’s full

accreditation with World Relief will allow the organization to help meet that need.

I am available to support the World Relief office and Ms. Blauer on immigration

questions and strategy. I am available in person, by phone, or by e-mail on a pro bono

basis.

I strongly recommend her for full accreditation from the Department of Justice.

Please contact me at [phone and e-mail] if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

NAME, Esq.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

SAMPLE LETTER OF AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL LEGAL

SUPPORT

[On letterhead of writer’s organization]

[Date]

Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator

Office of Legal Access Programs

Office of Policy

Executive Office for Immigration Review

5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2500

Falls Church, VA 22041

RE: Agreement to provide technical legal support for the Immigration Assistance

Center (IAC) office located at 555 Main Street, Anytown, Iowa 50500

Dear Recognition and Accreditation Program Coordinator:

I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Department of Justice recognition

for IAC. I am familiar with IAC and I fully support the organization’s application to

become recognized because the need for charitable immigration services is so much

greater than the existing resources in the Anytown area, which has a very large immigrant

and refugee population. I understand that IAC will be focusing on family-based

immigration services for low income immigrants.

I am a licensed attorney with 15 years of experience in immigration law. I am admitted

to the bar in the state of Iowa. My practice focuses on family-based immigration,

deportation and removal hearings, and asylum cases. I have known IAC and its

Executive Director, Katherine Medina, for the last five years and have served as a

volunteer at the organization’s community outreach events. I have met with Ms. Medina

and have agreed to provide technical legal support on a pro bono basis. I am available to

answer any immigration questions the IAC staff may have by phone or e-mail.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [e-mail and phone

number].

Sincerely,

Jill Attorney, Esq.

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021

TEMPLATE FOR ANNUAL SUMMARY

Note: One annual summary should be provided for each calendar year from the last

date of recognition to the time of the application for renewal.

Annual Summary of Immigration Legal Services

for the Office of Legal Access Programs (OLAP)

Name of Organization: ___________________________________________________

Time Period Covered: _________________________

1) Total number of clients served during this period: ____________

(Include client intakes, applications prepared and filed with USCIS, cases in which your

organization’s attorneys or accredited representatives appeared before the Immigration Courts or

the Board, and referrals made to attorneys or other organizations.)

2) Total number of clients provided services at no cost during this period: ___________

3) General description of the immigration legal services and other immigration-related services

(e.g., educational or outreach events) provided by the organization:

______________________________________________________________________________

4) Statement regarding whether services were provided pro bono or clients were charged in

accordance with a fee schedule:

______________________________________________________________________________

5) Organization policies or guidance regarding fee waivers and reduced fees (describe here or

attach your policy guidance):

______________________________________________________________________________

6) List of the offices or locations where the immigration legal services were provided:

______________________________________________________________________________

Attachments:

• Fee Schedule(s) Used for Immigration Legal Services This Year (if organization charges

fees)

• Organization’s Policy on Fee Waivers and Reduced Fees This Year (if not described

above)

DOJ Recognition and Accreditation Guide March 2021