The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is facing intense criticism after firing 20 immigration judges, a move that former judges and legal experts say will significantly worsen the already massive immigration case backlog.
A former immigration judge, who requested anonymity due to ongoing legal appeals, told Newsweek that the firings will add years of delays to asylum cases, with some hearings now being postponed until 2028.
“I already had a backlog where I was filled for 2027. So my hearing dates are probably going to go back to 2028. You’re looking at years of delay because you’re removing judges from the courtroom.”
How DOGE’s Cuts Are Impacting Immigration Cases
The Trump administration has justified these DOJ-led terminations as part of DOGE’s broader cost-cutting initiative, spearheaded by Elon Musk. However, the move has raised serious concerns among legal experts and immigration advocates.
The Growing Immigration Court Backlog
- The U.S. immigration courts currently have a record-breaking 3.7 million pending cases, according to Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse.
- Before the layoffs, immigration judges were already overwhelmed, hearing 40-50 cases per morning and conducting 1-2 trials per afternoon.
- With fewer judges, remaining courts must absorb thousands of additional cases, extending wait times for asylum-seekers, green card applicants, and deportation cases.
Why Experts Say the Layoffs Were a Mistake
More backlog, not less:
“There is no scenario where firing immigration judges will decrease the immigration court backlog.” – Legal experts told Newsweek.
Immediate harm to case processing:
“Removing 20 immigration judges in one stroke has an immediate impact on the efficiency and economy of our immigration court system—and will undoubtedly add to the already ballooning backlog.” – Amelia Wilson, Pace University Law School.
More uncertainty for asylum seekers:
“With years-long delays, immigrants waiting for decisions on their asylum claims or deportation hearings will face prolonged uncertainty, unable to work or gain legal status.”
Judge Speaks Out: “This Was Done for a Twitter Soundbite”
The former immigration judge, who was laid off, believes these firings were politically motivated and meant to create a misleading narrative of government efficiency.
“I think this was done to get a Twitter soundbite. I know there was no other reason for this than to say, ‘Hey, look, we’re being more efficient and firing these people.’ But there are actual human beings on the other side who are affected.”
She also described the abrupt manner of her termination:
- She received no prior notice, no official explanation, and no termination paperwork.
- She was escorted out of the building immediately without being told how long her health insurance would last.
- HR has not responded to multiple inquiries regarding unemployment benefits and severance.
“I have kids who are on my insurance plan. I was not given any direction on how long my insurance will last for.”
What Happens Next?
As immigration courts struggle to handle their caseloads, the debate over DOGE’s role in government efficiency intensifies.
- Calls for reinstatement – Immigration experts warn that unless more judges are reinstated or new ones are hired, the backlog will continue to spiral out of control.
- Due process concerns – Critics argue that fewer judges mean less oversight and weaker legal protections for immigrants facing deportation.
- Political fallout – The move is expected to fuel further legal challenges against the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
The former judge fears that the real goal behind these firings is to undermine due process:
“Our job is to make sure there’s a full and fair hearing and that due process rights are protected. But I don’t think that’s the goal anymore. If you eliminate the judges, so what? You could just deport the people.”
With asylum-seekers and their families in limbo, legal experts warn that unless immigration judges are reinstated or replaced, the crisis will only deepen.
