11.5 - Complaints

(a) Who May File — Anyone may file a complaint against a practitioner or recognized organization, including aggrieved clients, adjudicators, DHS personnel, and other practitioners.  8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.104(a)(1), 1292.19(a).

(b) What to File —  Complaints must be submitted in writing.  Persons filing complaints are encouraged to use the Immigration Practitioner/Organization Complaint Form (Form EOIR 44), which can be downloaded from the EOIR website.  See Chapter 12.2(b) (Obtaining Forms), Appendix D (Forms).  The complaint form provides important information about the complaint process, confidentiality, and the kinds of misconduct that the Board can discipline.  Complaints should be specific and as detailed as possible, providing supporting documentation when it is available.

(c) Where to File — 

(1) Misconduct before Board or immigration judge — Complaints alleging misconduct before the Board or an immigration court are filed with the Office of the General Counsel of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).  8 C.F.R. § 1003.104(a)(1).  The completed form and supporting documents should be sent to:

Office of the General Counsel
Executive Office for Immigration Review
5107 Leesburg Pike, Suite 2600
Falls Church, VA  22041
Attn:  Disciplinary Counsel

          OR

EOIR.Attorney.Discipline@usdoj.gov

After receiving the complaint, the EOIR Disciplinary Counsel decides whether or not to initiate disciplinary proceedings.  8 C.F.R. § 1003.104(b).

          (2) Misconduct before DHS — Complaints involving such conduct before DHS are to be filed with the DHS Disciplinary Counsel.  8 C.F.R. §§ 1003.104(a)(2); 292.3(d).

(d) When to File — Complaints should be filed as soon as possible.  There are no time limits for filing most complaints.  However, complaints based on ineffective assistance of counsel must be filed within one year of a finding of ineffective assistance of counsel by the Board, the immigration court, or a federal court judge or panel.  8 C.F.R. § 1003.102(k).