Group recommends immigration court improvements

Associated Press
June 10, 2009

DALLAS β€” A national advocacy group is recommending improving the country's beleaguered immigration court system by reforming how judges are selected and promoting impartiality.

In a study Appleseed released Wednesday, the group also recommended improving the accuracy of translations, reducing use of videoconferencing for hearings and ensuring court representation for immigrants.

The group conducted more than 100 interviews around the country with attorneys, immigration judges, nonprofits, academics and leaders of professional organizations. Court observers also logged in more than 100 hours at immigration court hearings in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York.

Appleseed found the dramatic rise in cases before Immigration Courts over the past decade without a corresponding increase in resources, has led to many of the problems.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/g ... forms.html