Goal 3: Create an Adaptable Organization by Using the Right Technology

Technology is a critical component of EOIR’s ability to adapt to shifts in immigration flows, address its caseload, and ensure due process. EOIR will continue to utilize technology to the fullest extent, while maintaining a strong prioritization of security of sensitive information.

EOIR continuously strives to modernize its information technology to keep up with the demands of adjudicating cases. In particular, EOIR has worked tirelessly to continue to improve upon ECAS.

ECAS applications include:

• Respondent Access: Respondents can complete forms, such as the EOIR-33 Change of Address form and can access a link to the Automated Case Information System.
• EOIR Payment Portal: ​Respondents can pay online filing and appeals fees.
• Case Portal: Respondent’s attorney or representative can use Case Portal to: file court and appeal documents; view and print electronic Records of Proceedings; pay appeal-related filing fees; and find out whether documents have been accepted or rejected by EOIR, with rejection explanation​.
• DHS Portal (for DHS OPLA, ICE, CBP, USCIS): DHS Portal can be used to: file a Notice To Appear (NTA); file court and appeal documents; view and print electronic Records of Proceedings (eROPs); and find out whether documents have been accepted or rejected by EOIR, with rejection explanation​.
• Electronic Record of Proceedings: Electronic repository of official case records. Documents are uploaded by DHS through DHS Portal; by respondent’s attorney or representatives through Case Portal; or by immigration court and BIA personnel by scanning. Note: Existing paper-based records will remain in hardcopy files.​
• Case Access System for EOIR: Immigration court and BIA case-related information including respondent name, address, charges, attorneys involved in the case, bond information, motion information, hearing dates and briefing schedules.
• Judicial Tools: The view for IJs and AIJs into the electronic official record of the case. IJs and AIJs can make case-specific annotations and complete orders and decisions. IJs can view dockets. BIA can transfer cases between reviewers and record votes, as well as comments.
• Case Management System (Future- not depicted in image below): This system will replace the Case Access System for EOIR  and the existing Electronic Records of Proceedings system ​and will manage the lifecycle of all immigration cases.

EOIR also continues to identify improvements and enhance applications, such as the online resources application ICOR, in order to improve immigration court processes and the provision of important information to stakeholders.

Data analytics[1] is similarly crucial. It allows EOIR to properly assess and make improvements to operational and organizational efficiency. Continual in-depth studies of data and procedures will provide EOIR with realistic portrayals of current operations, identify process improvements, assess new initiatives, and help EOIR components function at a more efficient level.