Resources for attorneys representing asylum seekers

Below are links to training materials, sample documents, practice advisories and government memos pro bono attorneys may need over the course of representing asylum seekers. Additional, general materials are available on the Legal Materials page.  Pro bono attorneys are also encouraged to peruse the Immigration Procedural Updates page, which provides information regarding changes in immigration policy and procedure.

NIJC Procedural Manual for Asylum Representation

NIJC Procedural Manual for Attorneys Representing Detained Asylum Seekers

Click here for NIJC's practice advisory: Applying for Asylum After Matter of A-B- *Updated Jan 2019*

Immigration Court Guidelines and Manuals

• EOIR Practice Manual
• Guidelines for Facilitating Pro Bono Legal Services

Claim-based advisories, resources, and briefs banks

• Particular social group asylum claims
• Gender-based asylum claims

Asylum Corroboration

More resources coming

• Asylum Corroboration Chart
• Resources for Central American/Mexican Asylum Claims
  1. NIJC's Central American/Mexican country conditions document archive
  2. Resources published and compiled by the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies at UC Hastings
  3. Translated articles archive from the Freedom of Expression Project at the Trans-Border Institute, University of San Diego
• Resources for Asylum Claims Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
  NIJC's LGBT Immigrant Rights Initiative can provide country condition documentation to pro se asylum seekers and attorneys representing individuals seeking asylum based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.  Please click here for an example of the country condition support available.  To request assistance with country condition documentation, please email lgbtimmigrants@heartlandalliance.org.   

The "Asylum Clock" and Employment Authorization

• Frequently asked questions regarding employment authorization for asylum seekers
• Asylum Clock Class Action Lawsuit
• EOIR OPPM 13-02: The Asylum Clock (Dec. 2013)
• EOIR OPPM 13-03: Guidelines for Implementation of the ABT Settlement Agreement (Dec. 2013)

Bars to Asylum

• Update related to the one-year filing deadline for asylum
• The Terrorism Bars to Asylum

Miscellaneous

• NIJC's Asylum Quick Reference Guide for Pro Bono Attorneys
• Submitting an Email Inquiry to the Chicago Asylum Office
• Secondary Trauma in Asylum Lawyers
• Certificate of translation
• Certificate of translation (for foreign documents)

Information and Resources for Asylees

• Asylee Benefits Information
• USDOJ Civil Rights Division: Refugees and Asylees Have the Right to Work
• USDOJ Civil Rights Division: "Look At The Facts. Not At The Faces.  Your Guide To Fair Employment."