Rates of Legal Representation in Immigration Court

The Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University has issued a detailed analysis of legal representation rates and related factors for immigrants facing legal proceedings in immigration court. In particular, the analysis focused on the impact of nationality and detention status on legal representation rates. While representation statistics varied from one immigration court to the next, depending on a number of different factors, the fact remains that overall, immigrants facing legal proceedings in immigration court are far less likely to be represented by legal counsel than they are to be representing themselves. This outcome is really no surprise, given the fact that immigrants have no constitutional or statutory right to be represented by counsel in immigration court. More specifically, immigrants from Mexico had the lowest rates of legal representation in immigration court, while immigrants from China had the highest rates of legal representation. The rate of legal representation for detained immigrants has fluctuated between 10 and 30 percent over the last 17 years. Currently, about 30% of detained immigrants are represented by counsel, whereas anywhere from 60 to 80 percent of immigrants who have never been detained are represented by legal counsel. These statistics support the general point that if an immigrant is detained, he or she is less likely to be represented by counsel, and vice-versa. Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., has the experience that you need when you are facing deportation charges, which are becoming more and more common each day. We are skilled at representing immigrants just like you in immigration court, where we appear on a regular basis. We know how to gather the facts that are relevant to your case, assess your options, and determine whether you have any legal defenses that may enable you to avoid deportation and remain in the United States. Contact the Oakland immigration attorneys at our office today and learn how we potentially can help you and your family through this difficult situation.