EOIR Policy Manual, Part I, ch. 2.6

(a) Generally - The Recognition and Accreditation (R&A) Program aims to increase the availability of competent immigration legal representation for low-income and indigent persons, thereby promoting the effective and efficient administration of justice.  The R&A Program allows certain non-attorney employees and volunteers of qualifying non-profit organizations to represent individuals before the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and EOIR, which includes the immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals.  These representatives— “Accredited Representatives” —may only provide immigration legal services through “Recognized Organizations.”  The R&A Program administers the process for both recognition of organizations and accreditation of individuals.  

(b) Recognized Organizations - The Assistant Director for Policy or the Assistant Director’s designee, in the exercise of discretion, may recognize an eligible organization to provide representation through accredited representatives.  See 8 C.F.R. § 1292.11(a); Chapter 2.2(b) (List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers).  To be recognized by EOIR, an organization must affirmatively apply for that recognition.   Such an organization must establish, among other requirements, that it: is a non-profit religious, charitable, social service, or similar organization; is a Federal tax-exempt organization; has at its disposal adequate knowledge, information, and experience in immigration law and procedure; and, if the organization charges fees, has a written policy for accommodating clients unable to pay fees for immigration legal services.  A recognized organization also has reporting, recordkeeping, and posting requirements.  8 C.F.R. § 1292.14.  The qualifications and procedures for organizations seeking recognition are set forth in the regulations.  8 C.F.R. §§ 1292.11, 1292.13. 

(c) Further information – Additional information regarding the requirements for accreditation can be found in Chapter 5.2 of the Policy Manual (Individuals Authorized to Provide Representation and Make Appearances).  Federal regulations at 8 C.F.R. § 1292.11-.20 set forth the rules to apply for recognition and accreditation before the R&A Program.  For further information, including procedures to apply for or renew recognition (Form EOIR-31) or accreditation (Form EOIR-31A), please visit the Recognition & Accreditation Program webpage.  EOIR policy regarding administrative review of R&A Program determinations is found in Policy Memorandum 20-02 in Part VI of the Policy Manual.  The R&A Program FAQs provide responses to the most common questions about recognition and accreditation.   Questions regarding recognition and accreditation not addressed in the R&A FAQs may be directed to the R&A Program.  See Appendix A (Directory).