Trump And DOJ Reshape Immigration Court, Sparking Widespread Fear And Panic
The Trump administration's aggressive immigration policy has led to a 3. 4 million-case backlog in U. S. immigration courts, with Chicago alone experiencing over 222,000 pending cases. Immigration attorneys like Omar Abuzir highlight a significant shift in prosecutor behavior, making negotiations increasingly difficult for immigrants.
Key policy changes include ending free legal counsel for 26,000 unaccompanied minors and allowing judges to determine asylum eligibility without hearings. Consequently, ICE arrests surged by 124% nationwide, amplifying fears within immigrant communities. The Executive Office of Immigration Review did not respond to inquiries regarding these changes, which have drawn lawsuits from immigrant rights groups. New rules have also eliminated the requirement for court hearings in many deportation cases, leaving many immigrants vulnerable. Legal advocates express concern that immigrants are often unaware of their rights and the new processes they face.
These developments have triggered widespread anxiety among those navigating the immigration system.