The Trump administration has dismissed 20 immigration judges as part of efforts to reduce the federal workforce, union officials revealed. The move comes at a time when the U.S. immigration courts are grappling with a backlog of over 3.7 million cases.
Among those let go were 13 judges who had yet to be sworn in and five assistant chief immigration judges. The Justice Department’s Executive Office for Immigration Review, which manages the courts, has not commented on whether replacements will be appointed.
Also Read: PM Modi & Trump Discuss Advanced F-35 Fighter Jet Deal
Union leaders criticized the firings, calling them part of a broader campaign to shrink government agencies. Matthew Biggs, president of the International Federation of Professional & Technical Engineers, expressed concerns that this could further strain the already overwhelmed immigration system.
The Trump administration has also recently replaced five senior court officials, including the acting director of the agency, signaling a shift in policies. Meanwhile, mass layoffs of probationary employees are underway, affecting hundreds of thousands of workers.
