Pentagon Deploys Military Lawyers to Fill Immigration Court Judge Positions Amidst Ongoing Legal Backlog

The Pentagon has authorized the deployment of up to 600 military lawyers to serve as immigration court judges, a significant move aimed at addressing the backlog of immigration cases in U.S. courts. This decision comes amid rising concerns over the immigration system’s efficiency and the growing number of asylum seekers at the southern border. Military attorneys, specially trained for legal proceedings, will fill roles typically held by federal immigration judges, who have faced an increasing caseload. This initiative seeks to streamline the process, enhance legal representation at immigration hearings, and provide relief for overwhelmed courts … Read more

Pentagon Deploys 600 Military Lawyers to Address Immigration Court Backlogs

WASHINGTON — The Pentagon is mobilizing to bolster the U.S. immigration court system by deploying approximately 600 military lawyers. This initiative comes amid increasing backlogs in immigration cases, with the aim of alleviating pressures on overwhelmed judges. The decision to use military personnel is part of a broader strategy to streamline immigration proceedings as the Biden administration confronts a surge in migration at the southern border. U.S. immigration courts are facing record delays, with hundreds of thousands of cases pending. The military lawyers will assist in both legal representation and judicial functions, a move designed … Read more

Pentagon Steps in: 600 Military Lawyers to Bolster Immigration Court System Amid Backlog Crisis

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized the deployment of up to 600 military lawyers to the Justice Department, where they will take on roles as temporary immigration judges. This decision, outlined in a memo obtained recently, indicates that the military plans to send teams of 150 attorneys—both military personnel and civilians—to assist with the significant caseload at immigration courts. These deployments are expected to begin “as soon as practicable,” with the first group of lawyers identified by next week, the memo states. The initiative arrives amid increasing efforts by the Trump administration to … Read more

Pentagon to Honorably Upgrade 35,000 LGBTQ Veterans’ Discharge Records, Restoring Earned Benefits

In a historic move, the Pentagon has announced a significant shift in policy that will affect approximately 35,000 LGBTQ veterans. These individuals, who were previously discharged under conditions that were considered “other than honorable” due to their sexual orientation, will now see their statuses upgraded to “honorable.” This resolution comes as the result of a class-action lawsuit initiated in 2023, challenging the long-standing repercussions faced by service members ousted under the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policies. Lily Steffanides, an instrumental plaintiff in the lawsuit, expressed profound relief and liberation following the announcement. Having been … Read more