DOJ OIG on Video Immigration Hearings

Limited-Scope Inspection and Review of Video Teleconference Use for Immigration Hearings

"Results in Brief: We found that, while EOIR has generally improved and expanded its virtual hearing technology and capabilities, there continue to be important areas that it needs to address to ensure that proceedings can be conducted effectively and fairly. Although the scope of this report primarily focused on the IHF setting for MPP immigration hearings conducted via VTC, we believe that our findings have general application to various platforms that can be used to conduct virtual hearings. Remote hearing options can offer certain advantages in accessibility for participants, mitigation of health risks, and flexibility in docket management. However, remote hearings can also raise fairness concerns if the technology and processes are inadequate. EOIR has expanded its use of remote options to include the external Webex platform over the past year. The findings of this report should inform EOIR as it evaluates continuing or broadening remote options to conduct immigration hearings in the future."