Understanding EOIR: What is immigration court, and why interpret there?

Understanding EOIR:

What is immigration court, and why interpret there?

Presenter: Tamber Hilton

Date: October 3, 2020

2 PM ET – 3:30 PM ET (11 AM PT – 12:30 PM PT): 90 Minutes

Overview:  Immigration court (EOIR, the Executive Office for Immigration Review) employs thousands of court interpreters across the country, many of whom travel from state to state to support immigration proceedings. However, EOIR, as a DOJ entity, is structured and operates very differently from other courts where interpreters work that are part of state or federal judiciaries. This webinar will discuss the structure and function of immigration court, the relationship of EOIR to the federal judiciary and to other federal agencies with immigration missions, and how cases flow through immigration court from start to finish. It will also discuss the work and experience of interpreters in immigration court. Lili Selden, a Japanese interpreter whose interpreting work includes EOIR, will also provide her insight as an interpreter of a language other than Spanish (LOTS) into the preparation and self-study process that she underwent to prepare to work in EOIR as an interpreter of a language with far fewer ready-made study resources available. Get ready for an exciting and informative session that will improve your understanding on a topic of current national interest: our immigration adjudication and enforcement system, as seen through the eyes of interpreters who facilitate EOIR proceedings on a daily basis.

Learning Objectives: Participants will understand the role of EOIR and its function within the DOJ, and will understand how immigration cases reach and are eventually resolved in immigration court. Additionally, they will understand how EOIR differs from state and federal courts, and EOIR’s relationship with these courts. Participants will come away with a broad overview of the sources of law that apply to immigration cases being adjudicated in EOIR, and will gain an appreciation for the challenges and rewards of interpreting in immigration court.

Presenter: Tamber Hilton

Date: October 3, 2020

2 PM ET – 3:30 PM ET (11 AM PT – 12:30 PM PT): 90 Minutes