Index of Samples
Please note that in addition to using these samples, we recommend that you explore the practice guides, webinars, and other resources found throughout our training pages.
Asylum
Sample I-589 Asylum Application
A sample completed I-589 (for a fictional client) with detailed annotations that guide you through best practices in filling out the form.
Sample Client Declaration
A sample client declaration with detailed annotations that guide you through how to write a client declaration.
Sample Index of Submissions
A sample index of exhibits in support of an asylum application.
Sample Medical Forensic Evaluation
A sample forensic medical evaluation corroborating an asylum seeker's injuries and scars.
Sample Lay Witness Declaration
A sample forensic medical evaluation corroborating an asylum seeker's injuries and scars.
Sample Certificate of Interpretation
Sample certificate of interpretation to attach to an English language document that was read to a client in his or her own language.
Sample Motion to Withdraw as Counsel
A sample motion to withdraw as counsel for a client who was released from detention while his removal case was pending.
Sample Motion to Substitute Counsel
A sample motion to substitute counsel for a pro bono attorney taking over a case from a prior attorney.
Sample Motion to Convert Individual Hearing to Master Calendar
A motion requesting that an individual hearing be converted to a master calendar hearing, to give the asylum seeker and attorney more time to prepare the case.
Sample Motion to Extend Filing Deadline
A sample motion to request that the filing deadline for supporting documents be extended.
Sample Motion for Untimely Filing
A sample motion to use to request that the court accept an untimely filing of evidence. As always, make sure to consult the Immigration Court Practice Manual for formatting and procedural requirements for motions.
Sample Motion for Continuance
A sample motion for a continuance at the Elizabeth detention center.
Sample Motion to Change Venue
A sample motion to change venue. If your client is released from detention while her or his case is pending, he or she will need to file a motion to change venue to the immigration court with jurisdiction over her or his new residence.
Sample Asylum Briefs
As part of the preparation for your client’s hearing, you may draft a pre-hearing brief. This page contains sample briefs on a range of issues.
Sample Witness List
You will need to submit a witness list, even if the Respondent is the only witness who will be testifying at the Individual Hearing.
Sample Direct Examination Questions
In the weeks leading up to your client’s individual hearing, you will prepare your client and any witnesses to testify. The materials on this page will help you prepare for the hearing.
Sample Legal Representation Agreement
This is a sample pro bono engagement agreement that you can adapt for your case.
Sample Engagement Agreement - Spanish
This is a Spanish translation of the sample pro bono engagement agreement provided above.
Bond
Motion for Custody Redetermination – New Arrivals
This is a sample with instructions for your Motion for Custody Redetermination (i.e. the request for a Bond hearing) along with an index of exhibits and a certificate of service.
Sample Bond Sponsor Letter
This is an example of a sponsor letter that gives you an idea of what such a letter should contain.
Sample Simple Motion for Telephonic Appearance
This is for cases outside of the El Paso court, where we are confident the judge will grant the Motion for Telephonic Appearance.
Motion to Appear Telephonically (Template)
This is a template to be used in our cases with EPIC in El Paso, where judges are less likely to grant these motions (please speak to our Technical Assistance Attorney during office hours before using this template).
Motion for Bond Re-Determination – Bond Reduction
A motion to ask the judge to reconsider and reduce a bond. This is only used after an Immigration Judge has already held a bond hearing before.
Motion for Bond Hearing – Changed Circumstances
A sample motion requesting a new bond hearing in light of changed circumstances of the respondent.
Bond Appeal Brief
Brief filed in support of an appeal of a bond denial.
Parole
Sample Sponsor Letter for Parole
A sample of a letter written by a parole sponsor in support of a parole request.
Sample Parole Request Letter (1)
A sample letter requesting parole for a client detained at the Denver Contract Facility in Aurora, CO.
Sample Parole Request Letter (2)
A sample letter requesting parole for a client detained at the Elizabeth Detention Facility in Elizabeth, NJ.
Sample Parole Packet
A sample parole filing for a detained asylum seeker. Packet includes a list of exhibits in support of the parole request; sample G-28 for detained client; letter to ICE requesting parole; and letter of support from the client’s parole sponsor.
Board of Immigration Appeals
Annotated Sample Notice of Appeal to the BIA
The first step in appealing an immigration judge's decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals is the filing of an EOIR-26 Notice of Appeal with the BIA within 30 days of the immigration judge's decision. This annotated sample, along with the annotated supplement that follows on this page, will guide you through how to fill out an EOIR-26.
Sample Supplement to Notice of Appeal
A sample supplement to the sample EOIR-26 above, laying out the legal issues for appeal.
Sample Motion for Extension of Time
A template motion for an extension of time in which to submit one's brief.
Sample BIA Brief, Asylum (credibility, corroboration)
A sample brief to the Board of Immigration Appeals on a denial of asylum.
Sample BIA Brief, Asylum (direct appeal and remand, pro se respondent)
A sample brief to the Board of Immigration Appeals of a denial of asylum seeking a remand for consideration of new, previously unavailable evidence.
Sample BIA Brief, Asylum (due process, remand, administrative notice)
A sample brief to the Board of Immigration Appeals of a denial of asylum seeking remand to cure due process violations
Sample BIA Brief, Asylum (nexus, past persecution, CAT)
A sample brief to the Board of Immigration Appeals of a denial of asylum and protection under the United Nations Convention Against Torture.
Sample BIA Brief, Asylum and Withholding of Removal (nexus, internal relocation)
A sample brief to the Board of Immigration Appeals of a denial of asylum and protection under the United Nations Convention Against Torture.
Sample Brief, Asylum, Withholding of Removal and CAT (particularly serious crime)
A brief to the Board of Immigration Appeals on a denial of asylum, withholding of removal and protection under the United Nations Convention Against Torture addressing whether the applicant's criminal conviction constitutes a particularly serious crime.
Sample BIA Brief, Interlocutory Appeal (venue)
A sample brief to the Board of Immigration Appeals on an interlocutory appeal of a denial of a motion for a change of venue.
Sample BIA Brief, Non-LPR Cancellation of Removal
A sample brief to the Board of Immigration Appeals on a denial of an application for cancellation of removal for non-permanent residents.
Sample BIA Brief, Withholding of Removal (DHS appeal)
A sample brief to the Board of Immigration Appeals of the Department of Homeland Security's appeal of a grant of withholding of removal.