Story perspectives

Trump Cuts 100 Immigration Judges, 3.3 M Cases Pending

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

President Donald Trump’s administration overhauled immigration courts by dismissing 100 judges, cutting the Board of Immigration Appeals to 15 members, and leaving 3.3 million cases pending in February 2026.
The Justice Department eliminated work-experience requirements and appointed over 600 temporary military lawyers who lack immigration-law expertise.
Legal scholars urged Congress to move immigration courts to Article 3, yet the Republican-controlled Congress has taken no action.

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Story summary

President Donald Trump’s administration overhauled immigration courts by dismissing 100 judges, cutting the Board of Immigration Appeals to 15 members, and leaving 3.3 million cases pending in February 2026.
The Justice Department eliminated work-experience requirements and appointed over 600 temporary military lawyers who lack immigration-law expertise.
Legal scholars urged Congress to move immigration courts to Article 3, yet the Republican-controlled Congress has taken no action.