San Francisco’s immigration courts are experiencing a shake-up, and it’s not the kind to dance about. Following the firing of 12 judges, only nine remain to handle an overwhelming backlog of over 100,000 cases. This dramatic downsizing has left both judges and immigrants in a bit of a bind, as those previously waiting for their court dates will now find themselves anxiously twiddling their thumbs even longer.
Judge Jeremiah Johnson, one of the dismissed judges, had just wrapped up consoling colleagues when he learned he had also lost his job. Talk about a day at the office! With wait times skyrocketing—one judge cited a next available date of June 29, 2029—many are questioning the integrity of the judicial process itself. Who can blame them?
According to Syracuse University’s TRAC project, the nationwide backlog has climbed to an astonishing 3.4 million cases. This raises concerns that the firings may be part of a larger agenda, targeting judges with higher rates of asylum approvals. In the midst of all this, immigration attorneys, like Julie Wiltshire, have witnessed firsthand how these changes hinder the crucial legal support their clients need, leaving dedicated advocates frustrated.
As the legal landscape continues to evolve, the question remains: who will stand up for the rule of law when the judges fall? With the system already strained, the situation in San Francisco serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by those seeking justice in an increasingly uncertain world.
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Andrew Johnson
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