DOJ Goes Digital on Immigration Helper Records—Finally!
Published Date: 4/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Justice is updating how it manages records for groups and their representatives who help people with immigration cases. They’re modernizing the system to let applicants apply and manage accounts online, making things faster and easier. These changes affect organizations recognized by the Board of Immigration Appeals and take effect right away, with a 30-day comment period ending May 19, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Online R&A applications and account management
If you run or work for a nonprofit organization that seeks recognition or to accredit non‑attorney representatives, EOIR now lets you submit recognition and accreditation applications and manage approved organization accounts online through the RAA system (https://getaccredited.eoir.justice.gov/login). The system automates internal processing, lets USCIS view and electronically submit comments, and went into effect upon publication on April 17, 2025 (comments accepted through May 19, 2025).
Expanded electronic records and disclosures for R&A files
EOIR's updated system will store electronic and paper application materials — including organization budgets, tax records, names, email addresses, dates of birth, background investigations, and criminal/civil history — and permit routine disclosures such as providing determinations to USCIS/DHS, making recognition/accreditation status public, and sharing records with law enforcement, contractors, and other agencies. The records retention schedule is under development and records will not be destroyed until it is completed.
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Key Dates
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