Model Hearing Program
Overview
The Model Hearing Program (MHP) is an educational program designed to provide Government attorneys, private practitioners, and potential or newly-accredited representatives with information about practices and procedures related to advocacy in immigration court. The program provides substantive and practical immigration court training.
The Office of Policy’s (OP) Legal Education and Research Services Division coordinates the MHP and collaborates with the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge and OP’s Communications and Legislative Affairs Division on MHP initiatives. This endeavor is part of EOIR’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality of representation before the immigration courts in an effort to promote the effective and efficient administration of justice.
The MHP consists of three initiatives: (1) live MHP events; (2) recorded model hearings and substantive law lectures available on-demand; and (3) pro bono resources available through the Immigration Court Online Resource (also known as ICOR).
Live Model Hearing Program (MHP) events are hosted by local immigration courts either in person or via Webex. At the events, attendees may observe live initial master calendar model hearings and live individual model hearings. Attendees may also receive an overview on the substantive law topics covered in the hearings, as well as learn about immigration court practices and procedures.
EOIR regularly holds live MHP events at the immigration courts. To find the next scheduled live MHP event, please visit EOIR’s Model Hearing Program website.
If you are interested in hosting an MHP event, or have questions about the Model Hearing Program, please contact EOIR at PAO.EOIR@usdoj.gov. We also welcome your feedback and suggestions about the MHP.
Videos
The recorded model hearing (MH) videos and substantive law lecture allow access to the MHP for those whose circumstances limit attending in-person.
Part one of the three-part video series is the Introduction to the Model Hearing Program and Immigration Court Processes and Procedures video. Part two of the series is the Master Calendar Model Hearing video. The final part of the series is the Individual Model Hearing video. The corresponding substantive law lecture video provides an overview of the legal topics underlying the MHs.
The MH videos cover case scenarios similar to ones that come before the immigration courts in order to demonstrate immigration court proceedings. The substantive law lecture covers the topics raised in those recorded case scenarios.
Part one in a three-part series, this training video provides an overview of EOIR’s Model Hearing Program and immigration court processes and procedures.
For more information, you may wish to review our Immigration Court and Appellate Processes slides and our Resources for Representatives.
Part two in a three-part series, this training video demonstrates a fictional master calendar hearing by covering a case scenario similar to ones that come before the immigration courts. All hearing roles are played by EOIR employees.
You may wish to review the corresponding mock record of proceedings and substantive law lecture video before watching this master calendar model hearing.
Verify that you are submitting the most current version of the Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. Please also see the corresponding instructions.
Part three in a three-part series, this training video demonstrates a fictional individual hearing by covering a case scenario similar to ones that come before the immigration courts. All hearing roles are played by EOIR employees.
You may wish to review the corresponding mock record of proceedings and substantive law lecture video before watching this model individual hearing.
Verify that you are submitting the most current version of the Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. Please also see the corresponding instructions.
In this lecture, EOIR provides a basic overview of the legal framework underlying Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and Convention Against Torture claims. This short lecture is not a comprehensive review of these complex legal topics. We encourage you to learn more by conducting your own research and consulting the relevant legal authorities, including statutes, regulations, and case law.
The substantive law lecture slides are available for download.
Verify that you are submitting the most current version of the Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal. Please also see the corresponding instructions.
Supporting Documents
The following documents provide useful background for understanding the MHP live events and videos.
Both the live and recorded model hearing formats are based on the same case scenario and mock record of proceedings. Please also see this accessible version of the mock record of proceedings.
This slide deck accompanies the Substantive Law Lecture: Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and Protection Under the U.N. Convention Against Torture video, and provides a basic overview of the legal framework underlying Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and Convention Against Torture claims.
This slide deck covers similar information to the content covered in the Introduction to the Model Hearing Program and Immigration Court Processes and Procedures video.