AILA Endorses The Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act

On December 3, 2025, Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Representative Juan Vargas (CA-52) introduced the the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act (TIJIA), which plays a crucial role in addressing the inefficiencies and inconsistencies that have long plagued the U.S. immigration court system. This proposed legislation seeks to ensure that temporary immigration judges possess the necessary expertise in immigration law, thereby enhancing the fairness and accuracy of adjudications. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) endorses the TIJIA because it aligns with their vision of a more equitable judicial process by safeguarding due process and reinforcing the rule of law. By promoting rigorous standards for judicial appointments, the TIJIA represents a pivotal step toward restoring public confidence in the immigration courts.

Greg Chen, AILA Senior Director of Government relations, said:

Everyone should have their fair day in court, but the Trump administration is firing massive numbers of judges and hiring in their place temporary judges who have barely a few weeks of training and no immigration law experience whatsoever. The Administration’s watered-down standards for temporary judges are undermining the fairness and integrity of America’s courts. That is why AILA endorses this important bill led by Sen. Schiff to ensure every judge is qualified and well-trained before they make decisions that can change someone’s life.

The bill was cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).