There was a bipartisan bill introduced into Congress that would comprehensively reshape immigration court operations as an approach to cut backlogs, among measures to make the system's caseload more efficient. The number of judges would be added, so too an electronic case management system in court records, and an independent immigration court to be separated from the Justice Department would be established. Lawmakers say these reforms are urgent before 2-plus-million accumulated backlogged immigration cases congest courts.
The bill's advocates point to the need for an independent judiciary for decisions that are unhindered because immigration courts currently fall under the auspices of the Executive Branch. That creates a risk, many claim, of political pressure. For advocacy groups, increasing the number of judges for better case management has been key. They believe it would make migrants' wait for decisions fair and swift.
Critics argue that if a system has significant inherent complexity-immigration laws, for example merely adding resources cannot solve the problem. Some lawmakers are worried about the costs of such proposed changes, and further think that any reform must come with tough measures to enforce laws that will deter unauthorized immigration.
If passed, the law would greatly enhance the immigration courts' functionality and bring relief to individuals mired in years of legal limbo. Its passage depends on getting through the thorny thicket of political divide, and how the reform measure balances both efficiency and fairness in the system.
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