Consider This from NPR The White House keeps firing immigration judges. He is one of them
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Dec 2, 2025 
Jeremiah Johnson, the Executive Vice President of the National Association of Immigration Judges and a former immigration judge, reveals the ongoing turmoil within the U.S. immigration court system. He discusses the abrupt firings of approximately 140 judges and the resulting impact on case backlogs. Johnson warns that the removals target experienced judges, which exacerbates delays and legal limbo for immigrants. He emphasizes the human cost of these decisions, highlighting the emotional toll on families caught in this chaotic system.
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Sudden Dismissal In The Courtroom
- Jeremiah Johnson described receiving an email that he had been fired and being locked out of the system immediately afterwards.
- He said the interpreter in his courtroom began crying when the dismissal was announced, showing the emotional impact on staff and attendees.
Judges Within The Executive Branch
- Immigration judges work inside the Department of Justice and are not part of the independent judiciary, making them vulnerable to presidential removal.
- Jeremiah Johnson emphasized that removals are happening without clear reasons, raising concerns about independence and due process.
Pattern In Who Gets Fired
- NPR found judges with defense backgrounds were fired at higher rates than those with DHS backgrounds, suggesting a pattern among removals.
- Jeremiah Johnson said the trend gives him pause but noted the attorney general offered no reasons for the firings.