The recent decision by the U.S. Department of Justice to dismiss 20 immigration judges, including five from Texas, has sparked significant concern regarding the existing backlog of immigration cases. As detailed in a report, these firings include 13 judges in training and 5 assistant chief immigration judges. This move occurs amid a record high of 3.6 million pending cases in U.S. immigration courts, according to the Congressional Research Service.
Practitioners in the field, such as Charles C. Foster of Foster LLP, have emphasized that the current resources are inadequate for reducing the backlog. The removal of these judges could extend already lengthy waiting times for asylum seekers and others in removal proceedings, potentially taking five to seven years or more.
Despite an increase in the number of immigration judges and courtrooms in recent years in an attempt to address the backlog, experts indicate that a substantial increase in both judges and trial attorneys is essential to make a significant impact. The recent terminations pose a challenge to these efforts, raising concerns about the efficient progression of immigration cases.