B - Component Language Access Co-Coordinators

EOIR also has Language Access Coordinators (LACs), designated by EOIR’s Director, who are responsible for coordinating with the EOIR LAWG and implementing EOIR’s language access plan. If a person has an EOIR- wide language access issue, they may contact EOIR’s LACs at EOIR.LanguageAccess@usdoj.gov. 

Each component has a Component Language Access Coordinator (CLAC), who is responsible for implementing the language access policy and initiatives within their component. Each CLAC is responsible for language access issues that arise within its component and for working with EOIR’s LACs on language access issues. Each CLAC is also responsible for evaluating their component’s efforts in providing language access to LEP persons. Components are encouraged to have the LAWG representative(s) also serve as the CLAC. 

Following this Plan’s approval and prior to publication of the Plan, EOIR’s LACs will work with EOIR’s Office of Information Technology (OIT) to create a centralized email inbox for language access concerns. The LACs will also consult with EOIR’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC) as necessary and appropriate regarding any privacy or records concerns. 

The LACs will work with the Office of Policy to post the email address and relevant instructions for contacting EOIR’s LACs on EOIR’s external website in multiple languages. Instructions will include how to process inquiries, complaints, or questions submitted in non-English languages. The LACs will be responsible for reviewing incoming messages and coordinating any necessary response with the relevant CLAC. If a person with LEP needs assistance or if a person wants to address a language access matter regarding a specific component, the person may submit an inquiry to the language access mailbox. The centralized inbox will help ensure that EOIR’s LACs and LAWG are aware of language access issues while also developing a consistent agency response to language access issues. The LACs will designate a back-up to assist with inbox management when the LACs are out of office or unavailable.