Military Lawyers to Serve as Immigration Judges, Raising Concerns

The Trump administration plans to use National Guard and Army Reserve lawyers as temporary immigration judges after firing several existing judges. This initiative aims to ease backlogged courts, but experts warn it could disrupt both immigration and military justice systems. Concerns arise over lack of experience and training.

The Trump administration plans to employ National Guard and Army Reserve lawyers as temporary immigration judges following the dismissal of numerous existing judges. This move is part of a broader strategy to manage the congested immigration courts and escalated immigration arrests.

Training for the first batch of Army lawyers begins Monday, with a second group scheduled for spring. Nearly 100 Army Reserve lawyers are expected to participate, with 50 starting immediate assignments post-training, per an email to an Army Reserve attorney reviewed by The Associated Press.

While the administration contemplates engaging up to 600 military-trained attorneys for immigration decisions, experts express concern over the adequacy of their training. Critics worry these changes may undermine the integrity of both immigration courts and military justice.