Published on: 2026-07-17
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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July 16, 2026 Refugees and migrants
A group of independent UN experts called on the United States to immediately stop the mass dismissals of immigration judges and the politicization of the immigration courts, describing the ongoing situation as a threat to the independence of the judicial system and the rights of people seeking protection.
According to data collected since January 2025, 113 immigration judges, 13 chief judge assistants, and nine appellate judges were dismissed in the United States. The dismissals, experts note, occurred without explanation.
Experts are particularly concerned by the fact that among the 78 judges for whom information is publicly available, an overwhelming majority – 65 individuals – had a higher rate of granting asylum requests than the national or specific court average. Judges with experience in migrant protection and humanitarian aid, as well as those appointed by the previous presidential administration, were disproportionately often dismissed. In the council that handles appeals on migration issues, only one judge appointed by the Democrats remains.
“These dismissals undermine the independence of immigration courts and the entire justice system,” experts stated, reminding that immigration judges decide the fates of people who, in the event of deportation, may face torture, persecution, or mortal danger.
According to them, when judges cannot act independently, foreign citizens lose a real opportunity to present their arguments and defend themselves from deportation – with potentially irreversible consequences.
Experts reminded that the United States is obliged to comply with international norms prohibiting the return of people to countries where they face the threat of torture or persecution. These obligations are enshrined in the Convention Against Torture, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the Geneva Convention on the Status of Refugees.
Experts are additionally concerned that the executive branch, in their opinion, is turning immigration courts from an independent adjudicative body into an instrument for implementing deportation policy. Amidmass layoffs, the Department of Justice has issued over 50 new directives, including warnings about possible disciplinary actions for “slow” or “biased” case reviews.
Experts also criticized the practice of holding so-called “mega-hearings,” where one judge reviews hundreds of cases in half a day, making an individualized approach impossible.
“International law clearly requires that people who face the threat of torture, persecution, or death be able to present their case before an independent and impartial body. No efficiency justifies the destruction of the principles of due process,” the experts emphasized.
Independent experts are appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. They are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. The experts act in a personal capacity and do not represent any government or organization.
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