Trump Administration Fires 20 Immigration Judges
The Trump administration has fired 20 immigration judges without explanation, according to a union official. This move comes amidst sweeping efforts to shrink the size of the federal government.
On Friday, 13 judges who had not yet been sworn in and five assistant chief immigration judges were dismissed without notice. Two other judges were fired under similar circumstances in the last week. It is unclear if they will be replaced.
The firings come at a time when immigration courts are backlogged with more than 3.7 million cases. It takes years to decide asylum cases, and there is support across the political spectrum for more judges and support staff.
The Trump administration has also replaced five top court officials, including Mary Cheng, the agency's acting director. Sirce Owen, the current leader and previously an appellate immigration judge, has issued a slew of new instructions, many reversing policies of the Biden administration.
Last month, the Justice Department halted financial support for non-governmental organizations providing information and guidance to people facing deportation. However, funding was restored after a coalition of nonprofit groups filed a federal lawsuit.
mass deportations and shrinking the size of the federal government. On Thursday, the administration ordered agencies to lay off nearly all probationary employees who had not yet gained civil service protection, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of workers.
Matthew Biggs, president of the International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers, which represents federal workers, said he didn't know if the judges' firings were intended to send a message on immigration policy. He characterized them as part of a campaign across the federal workforce.
"They're treating these people as if they're not human beings," he said. "It's bad all around.
15 Comments
Michelangelo
Firing these judges shows a complete disregard for the rule of law. Due process is essential in any legal system, and these firings undermine that principle.
Leonardo
The Trump administration is focused on reducing the size of the government and streamlining operations. This is a positive step for the country.
Donatello
The new court officials appointed by the Trump administration will bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to the immigration system. This will help to improve efficiency and ensure fair decisions.
Raphael
The funding cut for NGOs assisting immigrants is a responsible use of taxpayer dollars. These organizations often promote illegal immigration and should not be supported by the government.
Leonardo
Laying off government employees is a tough but necessary decision to reduce government spending and make the system more efficient. This will ultimately benefit all Americans.
Africa
The Trump administration has the right to make changes to the immigration system as it sees fit. It is important to support the government in its efforts to enforce the law.
Donatello
These actions are inhumane and unjust. We need to stand up for the rights of immigrants and fight against these discriminatory policies.
Leonardo
Cutting the number of immigration judges is a necessary step to streamline the process and reduce the backlog. This will help ensure that deserving cases are decided more quickly.
Bella Ciao
Support organizations that are fighting for immigrant rights. We need to stand together and defend those most vulnerable to these unjust policies.
Muchacha
The Trump administration has the right to make changes to the immigration system as it sees fit. It is important to support the government in its efforts to enforce the law.
Muchacho
These changes are part of a larger effort to reform the immigration system and make it more secure. This is important for protecting national security and ensuring a fair and orderly system.
ZmeeLove
We need to trust the Trump administration to make the right decisions for the country.
Habibi
Contact your representatives and demand they take action to stop these attacks on the immigration system.
Comandante
The future of our country depends on us standing up for what's right. Now is the time to take action.
Michelangelo
Believe in the American dream and work hard to achieve it.