Story perspectives

Federal Judge Fired for Defying Trump's Asylum Policies

12/19/2025

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Center

Day Fired for Asylum

Christopher Day, a U.S. Army Reserve lawyer, was fired as a federal immigration judge after five weeks for granting asylum inconsistent with U.S. President Donald Trump’s deportation goals.
In November, Day granted asylum in six of eleven cases, contrasting with military judges' 78% removal rate.
Experts say the dismissal reflects ideological aims, with military judges lacking civil service protections.
The Pentagon recruits military lawyers to speed asylum rulings, prompting concerns.

Left

Nemer Alleges Discrimination

Tania Nemer, a former immigration judge, was fired by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump amid dismissals affecting nearly 100 judges.
Nemer alleges the termination was discriminatory based on sex, national origin, and political affiliation.
Her complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission was dismissed.
The Department of Justice cited constitutional grounds for discrimination and raised concerns about judicial integrity amid a backlog of over 3 million immigration cases.

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Day Fired for Asylum

Christopher Day, a U.S. Army Reserve lawyer, was fired as a federal immigration judge after five weeks for granting asylum inconsistent with U.S. President Donald Trump’s deportation goals.
In November, Day granted asylum in six of eleven cases, contrasting with military judges' 78% removal rate.
Experts say the dismissal reflects ideological aims, with military judges lacking civil service protections.
The Pentagon recruits military lawyers to speed asylum rulings, prompting concerns.

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