Federal Officials Fast-Track 100-Plus Immigration Cases a Day, Straining Courts Under Trump
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 6
Federal Officials Fast-Track 100-Plus Immigration Cases a Day, Straining Courts Under Trump
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 6
Summary
Immigration courts in Virginia, Chicago and New Orleans have been hit with sharply expanded dockets after federal officials quietly added dozens of extra cases a day to speed asylum decisions and deportations.
Some judges saw caseloads double or triple, with about 100 adults waiting in Annandale, Va., and more than 200 cases set over two days in one New Orleans courtroom that usually handles 30 to 40 daily.
Lawyers and court officials say the crush is forcing group hearings, filling hallways with waiting families and, in New Orleans, keeping outside observers from monitoring packed morning sessions.
Trump administration officials argue faster processing will cut a backlog that leaves claims unresolved for years and reduces incentives for migrants to file weak or invalid cases.