Hirono, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Prevent Inexperienced Temporary Immigration Judge Appointments, Close Loopholes Exploited by Trump Administration

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) joined Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) and 15 colleagues in introducing the Temporary Immigration Judge Integrity Act, legislation to prevent inexperienced temporary immigration judge appointments in light of the Trump administration's abuse of loopholes in current regulations. U.S. Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"The Trump Administration's decision to lower eligibility requirements for immigration judges and reassign 600 military lawyers, including JAGs, threatens the readiness of our military forces and is an injustice to the millions of noncitizens who deserve to have their cases heard by a qualified immigration judge," said Senator Hirono. "Not only will this legislation help to ensure that temporary immigration judges meet specific experience and training requirements, but it will also help to protect the readiness and function of our military justice system."

Following the Trump administration's mass firing of immigration judges, the bill aims to close the loopholes the administration has been utilizing to authorize up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges.

The bill would:

• Cap temporary immigration judge appointments at four consecutive six-month terms: 2-year maximum service limit with at least a 3-year break in between services;
• Prevent military attorneys and Judge Advocate Generals (JAGs) from being appointed as temporary immigration judges;
• Authorize appointments of attorneys at the Department of Justice (DOJ) who meet the eligibility requirements;
• Establish basic training requirements.

The bill is endorsed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), American Immigration Council (AIC), American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Brennan Center for Justice, and the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ).

In addition to Senators Hirono and Schiff, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), 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).

The full text of the legislation is available here.

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