Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements

Acting Deputy Attorney General Issues Memo on Immigration Judge Hiring Process

4/4/17 AILA Doc. No. 18120334. Removal & Relief

In October 2018, Human Rights First received, via a FOIA request, a copy of the April 2017 memorandum that outlines changes to the immigration judge hiring process. Approved by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, these changes altered the multi-step hiring process put in place by former attorney general Alberto Gonzales in March 2007 after it was revealed that the Justice Department hired immigration judges and other staff based on political and ideological considerations.

While some of the revisions appear aimed at reducing delays in the immigration judge hiring process, which is important, others reduce the role of the immigration court's leadership. These revisions grant greater discretion and influence to Department of Justice (DOJ) political appointees in the final selection of judges.

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Cite as AILA Doc. No. 18120334.

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