The Trump administration is undermining the integrity of the U.S. immigration courts. Since January 20, at least 28 immigration judges have been terminated without explanation, and the agency is planning more. This comes at a time when judges are critically needed to ensure fair, efficient hearings for people seeking legal relief. The Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) is facing a historic backlog, with more than 3.6 million pending cases. Removing immigration judges without reasonable cause will only worsen delays and increase the pressure on our immigration courts.  

In addition to mass firings, new EOIR policies put pressure on judges to decide asylum cases at a breakneck pace that is not functionally possible. On February 3, 2025, EOIR published a memo that directs judges to complete asylum cases within 180 days to the “maximum extent practicable.” Such pressure will compromise fairness, result in unjust decisions and affect judges’ neutrality and judicial independence. New policies allowing ICE to arrest people at court will also transform the entire court system into an arm of the enforcement system, rather than balanced instruments of justice. The administration’s broader goals seem to cut our immigration courts entirely, in favor of rapid deportations under expedited removal. 

At a time when the United States urgently needs an orderly, efficient, and fair immigration system, the administration has gone in the opposite direction. 

Join Us in Demanding Urgent Congressional Oversight 

Tell your members of Congress to: 

• Increase oversight and investigate the administration’s interference with immigration courts 

• Withhold additional court funding until they explain these firings and radical policy shifts.