Legal News

Too many cases, not enough judges at L.A. immigration court

By Jason Siegel

The number of immigration cases in Los Angeles rose by nearly 10,000 in the last eight years, while the number of judges increased  by two, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Nationally, judges heard 80,000 more cases 2008 than they did in 2000, while the number of judges to hear those cases increased by 13.

The big caseload is causing respondents to believe they are not getting an adequate opportunity to present their cases, the head of the National Assn. of Immigration Judges told the Times.

The Executive Office for Immigration Review, which manages the caseload, had its budget increased from $147 million in 2000 to $227 in 2007.

The agency has been managing the situation using videoconferencing, deadlines for judges to complete cases and hiring judges, where needed, the Times

"L.A. Immigration Court caseload soars," Los Angeles Times

Full post as published by Legal Pad | LA on July 21, 2008 (boomark / email).