1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) have systemically eroded the due process rights of immigrants by imposing restrictive policies on immigration courts that undermine judicial independence and fairness. These measures include case quotas that pressure judges to rush through cases, restricted ability for judges to manage their dockets, and increased use of video teleconference hearings that deprive immigrants of meaningful hearings. Moreover, the former Attorney General unilaterally certified cases to himself to overturn long-standing legal precedents that protected immigrants' rights. This systematic attack represents an unacceptable infringement on the independence of immigration courts and violates international law standards requiring a fair day in court for immigrants facing deportation. Congress must exercise its oversight authority and hold the DOJ and EOIR accountable for these actions that have turned immigration courts into an instrument for deportation rather than a neutral arbiter of justice. Restoring due process protections and rebuilding an independent immigration court system should be an urgent priority to uphold the integrity of our legal immigration system. No matter your party, you are elected and paid to collaborate across the aisle - protect our democracy!