Immigration Court Observation & Awareness Project

This course is required for volunteers who participate in the ABA Commission on Immigration's Immigration Court Observation & Awareness project. This is a self-paced course that will take approximately 2-2.5 hours to complete. The course will help volunteers understand the immigration court system, give them the tools to identify when and where to observe at immigration court, and explain how to complete the court observation form so that observation data is collected by the Commission on Immigration. The course includes videos, written guidance, and checklists to support volunteers who engage in the court observation project.

By participating in court observation, volunteers can help the Commission on Immigration track trends and identify issues that will inform advocacy efforts in support of access to counsel and due process protections.

The American Bar Association (ABA) Commission on Immigration works to ensure fair treatment and due process for immigrants and asylum seekers navigating the U.S. immigration system. The Commission advocates for policies that uphold human rights and the rule of law, provides training and resources for attorneys representing noncitizens, and develops initiatives that promote access to justice for vulnerable populations, including children and individuals in immigration detention. Through its programs, the Commission connects pro bono attorneys with people in need of representation and helps strengthen the legal community’s capacity to respond to evolving immigration challenges.

In addition to its direct support for legal practitioners, the ABA Commission on Immigration engages in public education and systemic advocacy aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and fairness in the immigration system. The Commission also organizes projects, like immigration court observation, that empower law students, legal professionals, and community members to learn about immigration proceedings and bear witness to the realities of the immigration system. Guided by principles of justice and human dignity, the Commission plays a vital role in promoting a more equitable and accessible legal process for immigrants and refugees.