Justice or Lottery? Vital Role of Judge Assignments in Asylum Case Outcomes Highlights Inequities in U.S. Immigration Courts
Minneapolis, MN — In the sprawling halls of Fort Snelling immigration court, the fates of asylum seekers such as Fernanda from Ecuador hinge not just on their harrowing stories but also, significantly, on which judge hears their case. Fernanda, cradling her American-born baby, approached Immigration Judge Katherine L. Hansen with uncertainty, admitting her unfamiliarity with the asylum process. Meanwhile, a Mexican immigrant pleaded his case before Immigration Judge Monte G. Miller, apologizing for his illegal entry due to safety fears back home. The outcomes of these cases often depend starkly on the judge assigned. Data … Read more