Another EOIR Proposed Reg: Separate Representation for Custody and Bond Proceedings

The EOIR has been busy today. They’ve issued a second notice of proposed rulemaking. This one:

“proposes to amend the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) regulations relating to the representation of aliens in custody and bond proceedings. Specifically, this rulemaking proposes to allow a representative before EOIR to enter an appearance in custody and bond proceedings without such appearance constituting an entry of appearance for all of the alien’s proceedings before the Immigration Court.”

The background for this proposed change cites the uptick in immigration cases and court time required to deal with the high number of unrepresented cases.

The goal of the proposed change is to:

“encourage more attorneys and accredited representatives to agree to represent aliens who would otherwise appear pro se at their custody and bond proceedings, which, in turn, will benefit the public by increasing the efficiency of the Immigration Courts.”

Written comments are due November 17, 2014.

-KitJ