S. 3326: Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act

This bill, known as the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act, aims to address the backlog in immigration courts by allowing the Attorney General to appoint temporary immigration judges. The appointments would be made for a renewable term of up to six months and could include individuals with specific qualifications, such as:

• Former members of the Board of Immigration Appeals or appellate immigration judges.
• Former immigration judges.
• Administrative law judges with extensive experience in immigration law.
• Attorneys at the Department of Justice with significant experience in immigration law.

The purpose of these temporary judges is particularly to manage and reduce the number of pending cases in immigration courts, without replacing permanent immigration judges. All appointed temporary judges would have the same authority as current immigration judges to adjudicate cases and handle immigration court matters.

Training and Oversight

The bill includes measures for oversight and training of temporary immigration judges. The Attorney General, together with Chief Immigration Judges, would be responsible for:

• Assigning cases and monitoring the performance of temporary immigration judges.
• Evaluating their work product.
• Ensuring they receive a minimum of eight weeks of initial training and ongoing training for at least one day every two weeks during their service.

Length of Service

Temporary immigration judges can serve up to four consecutive six-month terms. However, if they reach the maximum service limit, they would need to wait at least three years before being reappointed.

General Principle

The bill emphasizes that the establishment of temporary immigration judges is not intended to serve as an alternative to permanent judges but to enhance the capacity of the immigration courts to handle complex and high-stakes cases effectively.

Relevant Companies

None found.