July 18, 2008
EOIR Requires 9-Digit Alien Registration Numbers
When Filing Documents with EOIR and Accessing Case
Info via Automated Phone System
FALLS CHURCH, Va. – The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) announced today that, effective July 21, 2008, documents filed with EOIR’s immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) should indicate 9-digit alien registration numbers (A numbers). For cases with a 9-digit A number, all digits must be provided. For cases with an 8-digit A number, a zero (0) must be inserted before the 8 digits. For example, A##-###-### should be provided as A0##-###-###. No document filings will be rejected in the foreseeable future for mistakenly failing to do so.
Also, 9-digit A numbers will be required to access immigration case status information through EOIR’s automated telephone system, which can be reached by dialing (703) 305-1662 or 1-800-898-7180 (toll-free). The system will direct callers to enter a zero (0) before the 8 digits of an 8-digit A number.
EOIR is implementing this requirement to be consistent with the Department of Homeland Security, which is currently issuing 9-digit A numbers.
- EOIR -
EOIR, an agency within the Department of Justice, is responsible for adjudicating immigration cases. Specifically, under delegated authority from the Attorney General, EOIR interprets and administers federal immigration laws by conducting immigration court proceedings, appellate reviews, and administrative hearings. EOIR consists of three components: the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge, which is responsible for managing the numerous immigration courts located throughout the United States where immigration judges adjudicate individual cases; the Board of Immigration Appeals, which primarily conducts appellate reviews of immigration judge decisions; and the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, which adjudicates immigration-related employment cases. EOIR is committed to providing the fair, expeditious, and uniform interpretation and application of immigration law in all cases.
| Contact: | Office of Legislative and Public Affairs |
| (703) 305-0289 Fax: (703) 605-0365 | |
| Internet: | www.usdoj.gov/eoir |