In response to the high rates of migrants from Mexico and Central America
entering the United States in recent years, the U.S. Department of Justice
has ordered immigration courts nationwide to expedite the removal cases
of more recent immigrants through a so-called surge docket (we sometimes
call it the “rocket docket”). The cases subject to the surge
docket involve either unaccompanied minors, or children who arrived in
the U.S. without a parent or other adult, or families, which consist of
at least one adult and one child. Implementing the surge docket, however,
has adversely affected those immigrants whose cases are placed on this
docket. The expeditious manner in which the immigration court handles
these cases easily can violate individual due process rights and prevent
individuals from effectively raising defenses that would qualify them
for relief from removal. It also is much more difficult for an immigrant
to obtain a qualified immigration attorney within this highly expedited
timeframe, which obviously is prejudicial to their rights. Furthermore,
the surge docket only has led to lengthier delays in the deportation cases
of the thousands of the other immigrants currently residing in the U.S. A
recent L.A. Times article
named California as one of the three states with the largest immigration
case backlog in the nation. As of April, 2016, the immigration case backlog
has increased 30% since October 1, 2013, to an all-time high of 445,706.
Furthermore, although surge docket cases make up only about 16% of the
total immigration caseload, the backlog of these cases has increased by
68% since June, 2015.
Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C.
is composed of skilled California immigration attorneys whose exclusive
aim is to help you or your loved ones escape ICE detention and avoid deportation
from the United States. We know how stressful and emotional removal proceedings
can be for you and your family, particularly in terms of the uncertainty
that it is likely to cause for many months and even years. As skilled
deportation defense attorneys, we know what it takes to successfully defend
against deportation and how to develop a winning strategy in your defense
case. Call us today and learn how we can advocate on your behalf and work
toward avoiding deportation in your situation.
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