Feds Build Database for Immigrant Volunteer Lawyers
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review is launching a new online system to manage a list of pro bono legal helpers. This system makes it easier for lawyers and organizations to apply, update info, and communicate with the government. The new system starts now, and folks have until January 20, 2026, to share their thoughts.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Online Pro Bono Provider Portal
EOIR launched an online Pro Bono List User Portal that lets organizations, referral services, and attorneys apply to be on the List, update their contact information, and communicate with EOIR. The portal is active now and is intended to simplify the application and update process.
Public Quarterly Pro Bono Lists Posted
EOIR will generate and post a publicly available List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers at least quarterly and distribute copies to immigration courts and DHS. The List includes non-profit organizations and attorneys who have committed to providing at least 50 hours per year of pro bono legal services.
Data Collection, Sharing, and Retention Rules
The system will collect records including names, EOIR ID numbers, contact information, pro bono service areas, declarations, alien registration numbers, and reported dates and hours of service. Records are stored in EOIR's Microsoft Dynamics system in the DOJ EOIR Microsoft Azure Cloud and may be disclosed to DHS, other federal agencies, law enforcement, contractors, and the public under specified routine uses. Quarterly Lists are retained until the end of the calendar year and destroyed 4 years thereafter; application files are destroyed 3 years after cutoff.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11526 — Implementation of the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention That Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities Act of 2018: Dispensing and Administering Controlled Substances for Medication-Assisted Treatment
Starting July 9, 2026, new rules make it easier for doctors and pharmacies to provide medicine that helps people recover from opioid addiction. These changes affect healthcare providers by expanding who can give medication-assisted treatment and how pharmacies can deliver these medicines. The goal? Faster, safer access to treatment with clear rules that save time and support recovery.
2026-10128 — Revision of Applications for Manufacturing and Procurement Quotas
The DEA wants to update how companies apply for permission to make and buy certain controlled drugs and chemicals. These changes will make the rules clearer, help prevent drug shortages, and ensure enough supply for medical and scientific needs. If you’re a manufacturer or involved in this process, get ready to follow new steps and share your thoughts by July 20, 2026.
2026-09160 — Implementing PATRIOT Act Improvements: Contraband Cigarettes and Smokeless Tobacco
Starting June 8, 2026, new rules crack down harder on illegal cigarette and smokeless tobacco sales. The government lowered the amount that counts as smuggling from 60,000 to just 10,000 cigarettes and now includes smokeless tobacco in the crackdown. Sellers and distributors must keep better records and report more info, making it tougher to dodge the law and protect honest businesses.
2026-13364 — Schedules of Controlled Substances: Temporary Placement of 5,6- Dichloro Brorphine, 5,6-Dichloro Desmethylchlorphine, N-Propionitrile Chlorphine, and Spirochlorphine in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act
Starting July 1, 2026, the DEA is temporarily putting four new substances—5,6-dichloro brorphine, 5,6-dichloro desmethylchlorphine, N-propionitrile chlorphine, and spirochlorphine—into Schedule I, the strictest drug category. This means anyone making, selling, or using these chemicals will face tough legal rules and penalties. The move helps keep these potentially dangerous drugs off the streets while the DEA studies them further.
2026-13256 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Revision of a Previously Approved Collection; Credit Card Payment Form (1-786)
The FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services is updating its Credit Card Payment Form used by people requesting their own arrest or conviction records. They want your feedback on the new form and how easy it is to use before August 31, 2026. This update aims to make paying and getting your records smoother, with no extra costs expected.
2026-13150 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed eCollection eComments Requested; Revision of a Previously Approved Collection; Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program
The Department of Justice is updating the paperwork for the Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Partnership Program, which helps law enforcement get bulletproof vests. They want your feedback on the changes and how easy the new forms are to use. Comments are open for 30 days until July 30, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23471 — Statement of Organization, Functions, and Delegations of Authority
The Administration for Children and Families is renaming its Office of Child Support Services to the Office of Child Support Enforcement. This change updates the office’s mission and clarifies its role in helping families get child support and establish paternity. The update affects state and tribal child support programs but doesn’t change funding or deadlines.
Next: 2025-23473 — Sentencing Guidelines for United States Courts
The United States Sentencing Commission is updating the rules judges use to decide punishments in federal courts. These changes could affect people facing sentencing by possibly changing how past and future cases are handled. The public can share their thoughts by February 10, 2026, and a hearing might be held to discuss the updates.