Breakneck pace in immigration courts is driving up deportation orders

Immigration courts are experiencing a surge in "mega" master hearings, with judges handling dozens or hundreds of cases daily. This accelerated pace, coupled with significantly reduced preparation time for complex proceedings, is leading to a historic rise in missed court dates and immediate deportation orders. Data shows a nearly threefold increase in these large hearings compared to the previous year, and preparation times have been cut from months to just over a month. Consequently, immigrants are being ordered removed at unprecedented rates, with asylum claims often deemed abandoned before adjudication. While proponents argue this clears a backlog, critics express concern about due process and judges' ability to fairly assess cases. The Justice Department states judges are adjusting schedules for efficiency while ensuring fairness.

A federal contract that provided legal representation to approximately 24,000 unaccompanied children in the United States expired on Friday. Immigration advocates are warning that this expiration could leave these children without legal support, potentially increasing their risk of deportation. The contract funded about 100 legal groups nationwide, enabling them to access government-funded shelters to represent their young clients. The Trump administration has not explained why the contract was allowed to expire, and the Department of Health and Human Services has not commented on future policies. This development occurs as the administration pursues a mass deportation campaign aimed at expediting court processes for expulsions.

A federal contract providing legal services to approximately 20,000 unaccompanied migrant children in the U.S. is set to expire, potentially increasing their risk of deportation. The Trump administration is allowing the contract with nearly 100 legal groups to end on July 31st, leaving the future of legal representation for these children uncertain. Advocates warn that without this representation, children will face greater challenges navigating immigration court and are more likely to be deported. The contract's expiration coincides with the administration's increased focus on deportations and follows a period where legal service providers have not been paid for over six months, with the administration reportedly withholding payments while demanding specific client information.