Emergency 5-Year Plan to Fix the Immigration Court Backlog Crisis

The U.S. immigration court system is overwhelmed. During President Biden’s term (2021–2025), an estimated 10.5 to 12.5 million illegal border crossings created a backlog of 3.7 million cases by 2024. Wait times now stretch up to five years or more, delaying due process and straining enforcement.

We need a bold solution. This 5-year emergency plan triples immigration judges, trains Certified Immigration Law Specialists (CILS), and clears the backlog by 2029.

Why the Immigration Court Backlog Is a Crisis

• Massive Backlog: 3.7 million pending cases as of 2024.

• Biden-Era Surge: 10.5–12.5 million illegal crossings, with 2.5 million released into the U.S. awaiting hearings.

• Long Waits: Up to 5 years for a hearing, undermining due process and encouraging more crossings.

  
  

Step 1: Triple Immigration Judges to 2,100

We currently have just 700 immigration judges—far too few.

• Plan: Add 1,400 new judges over 5 years (280 annually), reaching 2,100 by 2029.

• Focus: These judges will handle only immigration cases.

• Impact: At 1,000 cases per judge annually, they’ll process 2.1 million cases per year by 2029.

  
  

Step 2: Train 10,000 Certified Immigration Law Specialists (CILS)

Certified Immigration Law Specialists (CILS) will support judges, handling routine cases.

• Training: A 1-year program, structured like a trade school.

• Scale: Certify 2,000 CILS annually, totaling 10,000 by 2029.

• Role: CILS manage 500 routine cases each per year (e.g., voluntary departures).

• Cost-Saving: Trainees volunteer for a year post-graduation to offset expenses.

• Impact: 10,000 CILS will process 5 million cases annually by 2029.

  
  

Total Impact: Clear the Backlog by 2029

• Combined Power: 2,100 judges and 10,000 CILS can clear 7.1 million cases per year by 2029.

• End the Backlog: Eliminate the 3.7 million pending cases and handle new ones.

• Faster Justice: Reduce wait times from years to months, ensuring due process.

  
  

Why This 5-Year Plan Works

• Feasible: Emergency congressional authorization can fast-track judge hiring and CILS training.

• Affordable: Judge costs (~$210 million/year) are modest compared to the backlog’s economic toll. The volunteer year for CILS cuts training expenses.

• Community-Driven: Passionate individuals, including myself, are ready to enroll and volunteer to make this happen.

  
  

Take Action Now

The immigration court backlog crisis, worsened by the Biden-era border surge, demands urgent action. Support this 5-year plan to fix the system, ensure due process, and secure our borders.

Contact your senator today to push for this emergency measure!