Inside Immigration Court: A Mock Removal Proceeding in an Asylum Case

This interactive program will take participants inside a simulated removal proceeding involving an application for asylum before the Immigration Court. Presented by experienced immigration attorneys, the program will demonstrate how an asylum case unfolds in the courtroom, from preliminary matters through direct and cross-examination, evidentiary issues, and closing 

arguments. 

Using a hypothetical asylum case, the presenters will assume the roles of counsel and other participants in the proceeding and will demonstrate both the procedural and practical aspects of litigating an asylum claim. Particular attention will be given to establishing the elements of asylum, developing the applicant's testimony, demonstrating nexus to a protected ground, 

addressing past persecution and fear of future persecution, handling corroborating evidence, and responding to credibility challenges and inconsistencies.

The mock hearing will also illustrate common issues that arise during asylum litigation, including prior statements made by the respondent, discrepancies in the record, government cross-examination, objections, authentication and admission of evidence, and the importance of preparing a client to testify truthfully and consistently under questioning.

Following the simulation, the presenters will step out of their courtroom roles to discuss litigation strategy, identify effective and ineffective approaches demonstrated during the mock proceeding, and provide practical guidance for attorneys preparing asylum cases for individual hearings.

The program is designed to provide both newer and experienced immigration practitioners with a practical view of asylum litigation and the strategic decisions counsel must make before and during a removal proceeding