Executive Summary

The primary mission of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) is to adjudicate immigration cases by fairly, expeditiously, and uniformly interpreting and administering the Nation’s immigration laws. Under delegated authority from the Attorney General, EOIR conducts immigration court proceedings, appellate reviews, and administrative hearings. To execute its mission successfully, EOIR must communicate effectively with a broad spectrum of individuals, including those with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). 

This Language Access Plan (the Plan) sets forth the standards, principles, and guidelines through which EOIR will provide and enhance meaningful access to EOIR’s programs and activities to external stakeholders with LEP. EOIR’s Language Access Working Group (LAWG) is responsible for coordinating, overseeing, and providing guidance to EOIR components to ensure compliance with this Plan, and to assist in the provision of language access services for stakeholders with LEP. 

To effectively implement the action items outlined in this Plan, LAWG recommends the following actions to ensure the viability of the Plan and provide metrics to allow EOIR to evaluate the effectiveness of its language access efforts. 

1.     Designate two EOIR Language Access Co-Coordinators (LACs) and Component Language Access Coordinators (CLACs). As part of this designation, define the roles and responsibilities of the LACs and CLACs. 

2.     Establish the metrics to be included in the annual language access report to provide measurable and meaningful data. 

3.     Develop an external webpage outlining EOIR’s language access initiatives as well as the LACs contact information for individuals who need assistance related to language access. 

These actions will assist EOIR to successfully implement the recommendations outlined in this Plan and provide a long-term framework for continued improvement.