Tag: Immigration Courts

July 2

July 2, 2021

Despite Biden’s efforts to wind down MPP, 4,668 migrants are being categorically left out–those who went through the entire asylum process and lost their immigration case. Some advocates are questioning whether those asylum applicants had been given a fair hearing as immigration courts were shut down because of COVID-19, and virtual hearings presented difficult challenges, such as inconsistent or a lack of technological access. While the government is claiming that these applicants have already been given due process, lawyers on the ground say otherwise, claiming living conditions and the pandemic made it practically impossible to effectively engage in your own defense.

Tags: Coronavirus, Immigration Courts, Remain in Mexico

June 20

June 20, 2021

TRAC of Syracuse University released new data revealing a significant slow down in asylum cases being transferred out of MPP and over to U.S. immigration courts. During the month of May, only 1,988 cases were transferred out of MPP, which is down 55% from the 4,476 cases transferred out the previous month. It seems it is becoming more and more difficult to locate and identify the migrants living in border towns who should be allowed entry into the U.S.

(Image Source: TRAC)

Tags: Asylum, Immigration Courts, Remain in Mexico

June 1

June 1, 2021

In a 9-0 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that a law used by California’s 9th Circuit Court, which assumes credibility for immigrants seeking asylum, cannot be reconciled with Congressional law. The 9th Circuit Court had previously operated under the assumption that, unless there was explicit evidence refuting an applicant’s credibility, asylum seekers were telling the truth. But, under federal law, immigration judges have the power to weigh in on conflicting accounts and decide whether an applicant is entitled to asylum. This is the second time in two weeks that the Supreme Court unanimously reversed a decision made by the 9th Circuit Court on an issue relating to immigration law.

Tags: Immigration Courts, Supreme Court, U.S. Policy

May 29

May 29, 2021

The Biden administration announced a plan to fast-track the hearing process for asylum seekers arriving at the southern border. Using a Dedicated Docket process, immigration judges hearing cases in specifically dedicated major cities would decide cases within 300 days of an initial hearing. It is important to note, though, that some migrant advocacy groups worry that prioritizing speed may come at the sacrifice of due process.

Tags: Asylum, Immigration Courts

April 1, 2021

April 1, 2021

April 1, 2021 The Biden administration is considering a proposal to allow asylum cases to be adjudicated by DHS in addition to immigration courts in order to reduce backlog and speed up the process.

Tags: Asylum, Immigration Courts

May 10, 2020

May 10, 2020
  • DHS and the Department of Justice announce they will not give out new paperwork at ports of entry until June 8. Instead, immigrants with hearing dates before June 22 should present themselves at a port of entry one month after the date most recently given to them. Even then, it is not clear what will happen next to their cases.

Tags: Immigration Courts, Migration, Ports of Entry, Public Health

January 29, 2020

January 29, 2020
  • The House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration and Citizenship hosts the hearing: “Courts in Crisis: The State of Judicial Independence and Due Process in U.S. Immigration Courts.”

Tags: Hearings, Immigration Courts