Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Dec 7: A sweeping purge of immigration judges under President Donald Trump has left the federal government’s immigration courts severely understaffed and in turmoil, raising concerns about due process and the independence of the judiciary.

So far this year, at least 98 of roughly 700 immigration judges have been dismissed, according to the National Association of Immigration Judges, with dozens more retiring or resigning. Ousted judges include those with higher-than-average asylum grant rates, dual citizenship, or a history of defending immigrants, though not all fit these categories. Olivia Cassin, a former New York immigration judge, described the dismissals as an effort “to destroy a system where cases are carefully considered by people with knowledge of the subject matter.”

The process has been systematic: judges receive an email citing Attorney General Pam Bondi’s removal order, are struck from the Department of Justice website, and news spreads quickly among ousted colleagues. As immigration judges are considered at-will employees under the Department of Justice, their rulings can be overturned by the Attorney General.

The Justice Department defended the purge, blaming the Biden administration for “forcing Immigration Courts to implement a de facto amnesty” and saying the move restores “integrity” to the system. The Trump administration is recruiting military lawyers and “deportation judges” to fill vacancies, offering a 25% base pay incentive for first-time federal employees in cities like New York, Chelmsford, and San Francisco.

The purge has left major courts crippled. At New York City’s 26 Federal Plaza, seven judges were removed in a single day, leaving only 25 of the 37 judges who were there in January. Chicago, San Francisco, and other major courts are also significantly understaffed, resulting in millions of pending cases.

Many ousted judges are challenging their dismissals. Former Ohio judge Tania Nemer filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination based on sex, national origin, and political affiliation. Others, including Cassin and Jeremiah Johnson, have criticized the administration for undermining due process and the courts’ ability to function effectively.

Democratic lawmakers, including Reps. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) and Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), have renewed calls for establishing an independent immigration court system under Article I or Article III of the Constitution to prevent political interference. “By firing immigration judges whose rulings he does not like, President Trump is installing himself as the judge and jury of his own decisions,” said Goldman.

The ongoing purge and understaffing have intensified debates over the future of the US immigration court system, with critics warning of long-term damage to justice and due process for migrants nationwide.