Board of Immigration Appeals: BIA Pro Bono Project Is Successful

摘要

The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) Pro Bono Project (the project) recently completed its third year of operation. In May 2004, the Pro Bono Coordinator for the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) asked for an independent evaluation of the project. The study focused on the original project goals. Based upon available EOIR data and an opinion survey completed by Board members and attorneys, and by non-governmental agencies, the project has been very successful in meeting its original goals. The report concludes with a few suggestions to continuously review and evaluate the BIA Pro Bono Project. The project is designed to match pro se respondents, who have pending appeals before the BIA, with pro bono counsel. The project seeks to remove traditional obstacles private attorneys face in identifying, locating and communicating with unrepresented aliens by providing EOIR case tracking and summary information to facilitate the initial contact.