Key Takeaways
• DOJ fired at least 65 immigration judges by July 22, 2025, across multiple U.S. states including California and New York.
• Immigration court backlog nears 4 million cases despite $3 billion funding increase for new judges and resources.
• New policies fast-track asylum dismissals and expand firing powers, impacting immigrants, attorneys, and court staff nationwide.
As of July 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 immigration court system is experiencing major changes that directly affect immigrants, attorneys, and court staff. The Department of Justice (DOJ), under President Trump, has sharply increased the firing of immigration judges. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, the effective dates, what actions may be needed, and the likely impact on pending and future immigration cases.
Summary of What Changed
Over the past six months, the DOJ has fired at least 65 immigration judges, with 15 more notified by email on July 11, 2025, that their employment would end on July 22. These firings have taken place in several states, including Massachusetts, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, New York, and California. The dismissals come just after Congress approved over $3 billion in new funding for immigration-related activities, including hiring more immigration judges. Despite this funding, the backlog in immigration courts has reached nearly 4 million cases, and replacing experienced judges is expected to take more than a year.
The firings are part of a broader push by the Trump administration to speed up deportations and reshape the immigration court system. The DOJ has also made it easier to fire federal employees, including immigration judges, and has started to rehire judges previously dismissed under President Biden, especially those known for denying asylum at high rates.
Who Is Affected
- Immigration Judges: Most of those fired were at the end of their two-year probationary period with the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). They were not given specific reasons for their dismissal. Leadership positions at EOIR and several judges from the Board of Immigration Appeals, many of whom were appointed under President Biden, have also been removed.
- Court Staff: Alongside judges, 85 professional court staff—including interpreters, legal assistants, and IT specialists—have accepted buyouts or “deferred resignations” after receiving a “Fork in the Road” email from EOIR.
- Immigrants and Families: People with pending cases in immigration court will likely face longer wait times and more uncertainty about their hearings and outcomes.
- Attorneys and Advocacy Groups: Legal professionals and organizations representing immigrants must adjust to new procedures, faster case closures, and changes in how cases are reviewed and decided.
Effective Dates
- July 22, 2025: The latest round of firings becomes effective.
- April–June 2025: Previous rounds of firings and buyouts took place.
- Ongoing: Policy changes and new appointments are expected to continue through the rest of 2025 and beyond.
Required Actions and Immediate Next Steps
For those directly affected by these changes, here are the most important steps to consider:
- Immigrants with Pending Cases:
- Check Case Status: Regularly check the status of your case through the EOIR’s online portal or by contacting your attorney.
- Prepare for Delays: Expect longer wait times for hearings and decisions due to the loss of experienced immigration judges and staff.
- Stay Informed: Monitor official EOIR updates and consult with your attorney about any changes in your assigned judge or hearing date.
- Attorneys and Legal Representatives:
- Review New Policies: Stay up to date with EOIR policy memos, especially those about case management and expedited procedures.
- Advise Clients: Inform clients about possible delays, changes in court personnel, and the risk of faster case closures.
- Monitor Appeals: Be aware of new rules for appeals, especially after the Supreme Court’s June 26, 2025, decision on the 30-day deadline for challenging removal orders.
- Fired Judges and Court Staff:
- Legal Recourse: Thirteen judges have filed a class appeal to the U.S. Merit System Protection Board, alleging wrongful termination. Others may consider similar actions.
- Union Support: Contact the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) for updates on labor actions and legal support.
Key Policy Changes and Announcements
Several important policy changes have been announced or implemented in the past year:
- Expedited Case Management: EOIR leadership is pressuring immigration judges to speed up case reviews, streamline asylum decisions, and issue oral (spoken) rather than written decisions for dismissals. This means some cases may be closed more quickly, with less opportunity for detailed review.
- Fast-Track Asylum Dismissals: A new policy memo allows judges to dismiss asylum cases they consider “legally deficient” without a full hearing.
- Neutrality and Impartiality: EOIR Acting Director Sirce E. Owen issued Policy Memorandum 25-33 in 2025, reminding judges to remain neutral and impartial. Judges who violate these ethical rules face disciplinary action.
- Bond Proceedings and Fees: ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA) now says that people who entered the United States 🇺🇸 without inspection are not eligible for bond (release from detention while their case is pending). Some courts are also inconsistently accepting asylum applications without proof of fee payment, causing confusion.
- Administrative Changes: The DOJ has made it easier to fire federal employees, including immigration judges, and is rehiring some judges who were previously dismissed under President Biden, especially those with a record of denying asylum.
- Civil Penalties: A new interim rule allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue fines for immigration violations without a 30-day notice period. Appeals of these fines now go to DHS, not the DOJ, and are no longer reviewed by the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Implications for Pending Applications and Court Backlogs
The removal of so many immigration judges is expected to have several immediate and long-term effects:
- Longer Wait Times: With fewer judges available, the backlog of nearly 4 million cases will likely grow. Each judge typically handles 500–700 cases per year, so the loss of dozens of judges means thousands more cases will be delayed.
- Reduced Due Process: Expedited case closures and fewer written decisions may limit immigrants’ ability to fully present their cases or appeal negative decisions.
- Increased Uncertainty: Ongoing changes in court personnel and procedures make it harder for immigrants and their attorneys to predict what will happen in their cases.
- Potential for Politicization: There are concerns that new judges will be chosen based on their willingness to support administration priorities, rather than their experience or impartiality. This could affect the fairness of decisions, especially in asylum and deportation cases.
Stakeholder Perspectives
- Administration’s View: DOJ Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle argues that these changes restore “accountability” and ensure that immigration judges answer to the President and the public. The administration believes that unelected judges have had too much power and that these firings will help align the judiciary with executive branch goals.
- Union and Advocacy Groups: Matt Biggs, President of the IFPTE, calls the firings “outrageous and against the public interest,” noting that Congress authorized 800 immigration judges, yet many are being dismissed without cause. Jennifer Whitlock of the National Immigration Law Center warns that the changes threaten the neutrality of immigration courts and risk turning them into “deportation factories.”
- Legal Scholars: Experts point out that immigration courts are part of the DOJ, not the independent judiciary. This makes them more vulnerable to political influence. The Trump administration’s use of its power to remove judges is seen as a major shift, with possible long-term effects on due process and the independence of the courts.
Legal and Procedural Implications
- Due Process Concerns: Many legal scholars and advocates argue that the firings undermine immigrants’ right to a fair hearing. Immigration courts do not have the same independence as federal district courts, and their decisions can be overturned by the Attorney General.
- Class Appeals: Fired judges are challenging their dismissals through class appeals, which could set important legal precedents for how immigration judges are treated as federal employees.
- Supreme Court Ruling: On June 26, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that the 30-day deadline for challenging a final order of removal is not absolute and can be extended for good reason. This may give immigrants more time to appeal negative decisions.
Recent and Pending Policy Shifts
- Florida National Guard: President Trump has suggested using members of the Florida National Guard Judge Advocate General Corps as immigration judges. This move would further blur the line between law enforcement and the courts.
- Replacement Judges: There is concern that new appointments will be “political loyalists” who are more likely to deny asylum and support faster deportations.
- Ongoing Legal Challenges: Fired judges and advocacy groups are challenging the firings in court. The outcome of these cases could affect future policy and the structure of the immigration court system.
Background and Historical Context
Immigration courts are unique because they are part of the DOJ, not the independent federal judiciary. This means the Attorney General has broad power to hire and fire immigration judges. While previous administrations have rarely used this power, President Trump’s administration has made it a central part of its immigration policy. The focus has been on appointing judges with high asylum denial rates and removing those seen as less supportive of administration goals.
Practical Implications for Immigrants and Attorneys
- Longer Delays: Immigrants waiting for hearings should expect longer delays, which can affect their ability to work, reunite with family, or avoid deportation.
- Less Opportunity for Appeal: With more cases being closed quickly and fewer written decisions, it may be harder to appeal negative outcomes.
- Greater Uncertainty: The rapid pace of change makes it difficult for immigrants, attorneys, and advocacy groups to plan or advise clients.
- Need for Vigilance: It is more important than ever for immigrants and their representatives to stay informed about policy changes and to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
- Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR): For the latest updates, policies, and contact information, visit the EOIR official website.
- International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE): Represents immigration judges and provides updates on labor actions and legal challenges.
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): Offers practice alerts and policy updates for attorneys and the public.
What to Watch For Next
- Continued Firings and Appointments: The Trump administration is expected to continue reshaping the immigration judiciary, with more firings and new appointments likely in the coming months.
- Legal Outcomes: Ongoing legal challenges by fired judges and advocacy groups could lead to changes in how immigration judges are hired, fired, and protected.
- Backlog and Efficiency: Despite increased funding, the backlog of cases is likely to get worse before it gets better, due to the loss of experienced judges and the time needed to train new ones.
Actionable Takeaways
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the EOIR website and consult with your attorney for the latest information about your case.
- Prepare for Delays: Expect longer wait times and possible changes in your assigned judge or hearing date.
- Know Your Rights: If you are facing removal or have a pending case, ask your attorney about your rights to appeal and any new deadlines that may apply.
- Seek Legal Help: If you are affected by these changes, contact a qualified immigration attorney or a trusted advocacy group for guidance.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these sweeping changes in the immigration court system are creating new challenges for immigrants, attorneys, and judges alike. The situation remains fluid, and staying informed is the best way to protect your rights and interests during this period of rapid change.
For more information on immigration judges, court procedures, and official updates, visit the EOIR official website. This is the most reliable source for current policies, forms, and contact details.
By understanding these changes and taking the right steps, immigrants and their advocates can better prepare for the challenges ahead and make informed decisions about their cases.
Learn Today
DOJ → Department of Justice, U.S. federal agency overseeing immigration courts and law enforcement policies.
EOIR → Executive Office for Immigration Review, manages immigration courts and judicial decisions in the U.S.
Asylum → Protection granted to immigrants fleeing persecution, subject to court review and possible dismissal.
Backlog → Accumulated pending immigration cases causing extended delays in court hearings and decisions.
Class Appeal → Legal challenge filed collectively by multiple judges contesting their termination or workplace treatment.
This Article in a Nutshell
In July 2025, the DOJ fired over 65 immigration judges, intensifying court backlogs and policy shifts. Immigrants face longer waits while attorneys adjust to faster case closures and courtroom changes under the Trump administration’s push to reshape immigration courts and deportation processes.
— By VisaVerge.com
