Merits Prep

Redacted sample direct examination of an asylum-seeking respondent in immigration court. The sample is based on a case in which the respondent, from Guatemala, sought asylum based on her K’iche’ Mayan ethnicity; political opinions in support of feminism and indigenous rights; and membership in the particular social groups of “Guatemalan K’iche’ Mayan women” and “witnesses […]

CLINIC practice advisory that provides an overview of procedural matters before an immigration court hearing, as well as tips on how to prepare a direct examination in immigration court. Published on July 2, 2020.

CLINIC practice advisory that provides guidance on the evidentiary standards applicable in immigration court proceedings, as well as tips on how to make and respond to objections in immigration court. Published on March 13, 2020.

Annotated sample direct examination chart for a fictional asylum-seeking respondent, prepared by the Immigration Justice Campaign.

Human Rights First practice advisory describing possible bases for pretermission in immigration court and explaining how to prepare for, and respond to, motions to pretermit a client’s asylum claim. Last updated on January 23, 2026.

Practice advisory published by the National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) and Center for Gender & Refugee Studies (CGRS) on July 25, 2025 (updated August 27, 2025), discussing pretermission of asylum applications in immigration court in light of the March 2025 BIA decision in Matter of C-A-R-R-, 29 I&N Dec. 13 (BIA 2025) and April 2025 EOIR […]