The Illusion of Judicial Process in Immigration Courts

Immigration courts function differently than traditional judicial systems, often giving the appearance of a fair judicial process while lacking essential due process guarantees. Attorneys within the Justice Department act as judges and prosecutors, creating a situation where accused immigrants face the government without the benefit of a court-appointed lawyer, potentially compromising their defense. Furthermore, the immigration judges can permit the use of secret and hearsay evidence, which rarely aligns with the evidentiary standards seen in criminal courts. This combination contributes to a perception of kangaroo courts where individuals' liberties are at stake without a fair judicial framework.