Resources for People Facing Defensive Asylum Hearings
If you or someone you know has a defensive asylum hearing in immigration court, it’s essential to be informed and prepared. Below are templates, legal alerts, and tools that can help you respond to motions, appear virtually, and protect your rights.
Request to Appear Virtually
Currently, many people feel unsafe or anxious about appearing in person at immigration court. If you'd like to request to appear virtually instead, you can use the template below. This is a sample motion that needs to be personalized with your own information before submitting it.
Important: The judge must grant the motion for the appearance to be via WebEx. If the motion is not granted and the person does not appear in person, they can be ordered removed.
Steps to Request a Change from an In-Person Hearing to a Virtual Hearing (WebEx)
1. File a Motion to Appear via WebEx
Prepare your request (motion) and include the "Certificate of Service" page.
Send one copy to the court and another to OPLA (ICE Office).
Find your ICE office address using the OPLA Office Locator.
2. Use Our Template (Optional)
You can download a fillable template from our website.
Complete the sections highlighted in yellow with your case details.
3. Submit Your Motion
Keep a copy for your records.
Send the motion via certified mail for proof of delivery.
4. Check Your EOIR Account for Updates
After submitting, monitor your EOIR case status to see if the judge has approved your request.
Pasos para solicitar un cambio de audiencia presencial a una audiencia virtual (WebEx)
1. Presenta una Moción para Comparecer por WebEx
Prepara tu solicitud (moción) e incluye la página del "Certificado de Notificación" (Certificate of Service).
Envía una copia al tribunal y otra a OPLA (la oficina de ICE).
Busca la dirección de tu oficina de ICE utilizando el Localizador de Oficinas OPLA.
2. Usa nuestra plantilla (Opcional)
Puedes descargar una plantilla editable desde nuestro sitio web.
Completa las secciones resaltadas en amarillo con los detalles de tu caso.
3. Envía tu moción
Guarda una copia para tus archivos.
Envía la moción por correo certificado para tener prueba de entrega.
4. Revisa tu cuenta EOIR para actualizaciones
Después de enviar la moción, monitorea el estado de tu caso en la plataforma EOIR para saber si el juez aprobó tu solicitud.
In English
Étapes pour Demander le Changement d’une Audience en Personne à une Audience Virtuelle (WebEx)
1. Déposer une Requête (Motion) pour une Comparution par WebEx
Préparez votre requête (motion) et incluez la page "Certificate of Service" (Certificat de Notification).
Envoyez une copie au tribunal et une autre à OPLA (bureau de l’ICE).
Trouvez l’adresse de votre bureau ICE via le Localisateur OPLA.
2. Utiliser Notre Modèle de lettre
Vous pouvez télécharger un modèle pré-rempli sur notre site web.
Complétez les sections surlignées en jaune avec les détails de votre dossier.
3. Soumettre Votre Requête
Conservez une copie pour vos dossiers.
Envoyez la requête par courrier recommandé pour une preuve de dépôt.
4. Vérifier la reponse du juge sur Votre Compte EOIR
Après l’envoi, consultez régulièrement l’état de votre dossier EOIR pour voir si le juge a approuvé votre demande.
En español
If you want to understand more about this process, you can watch the following videos:
En Français
Opposing a Motion to Dismiss
Oral Opposition to Dismissal (for Pro Se Respondents)
The National Immigration Project has created a helpful template for people representing themselves (pro se) in court who wish to oppose a government motion to dismiss their case.
If the government is trying to dismiss your case and place you into expedited removal, this template can help you prepare your oral response in court.
📥 Download the oral opposition template and review the additional resources below to understand your rights and next steps.
These are other valuable resources released by the National Immigration Project:
Practice Alert: Learn how to protect yourself from expedited removal and arrests at immigration court.
Written Template: Use this if DHS files a written motion to dismiss your case in favor of expedited removal.
Need Help? Join Our Free Legal Consultations
Do you have questions about how to fill out these documents, or what to expect at your hearing?
We offer free online legal consultations every Thursday from 12–1 PM (New York time). You can speak directly with an immigration attorney. Interpreters are available in Spanish, French, and Russian.