PENTAGON HAS AUTHORIZED UP TO 600 MILITARY LAWYERS TO SERVE AS TEMPORARY IMMIGRATION JUDGES

PENTAGON HAS AUTHORIZED UP TO 600 MILITARY LAWYERS TO SERVE AS TEMPORARY IMMIGRATION JUDGES #america #usa #immigration #pentagon

“Big news in U.S. immigration this week: the Pentagon has authorized up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges. This decision could reshape the immigration court system—and it’s sparking serious debate. Let’s break down what’s happening, why it matters, and the concerns being raised.” What’s Happening • “On August 27th, 2025, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the deployment of up to 600 military attorneys, many of them Judge Advocate Generals, or JAGs. • These attorneys will serve as temporary immigration judges, with assignments lasting up to 179 days each. • The Department of Justice asked for this move to help with the massive immigration court backlog—over 3.5 million pending cases. • Right now, the number of active immigration judges has dropped to around 600, meaning this initiative could effectively double the system’s capacity—at least on paper.” Why It’s Happening • “The U.S. immigration courts are overwhelmed. Delays stretch for years, and hundreds of judges have resigned or been removed in recent months. • By bringing in military lawyers, the government hopes to clear cases faster and relieve pressure on the system. • The first groups of about 150 attorneys could be deployed within weeks.” Concerns & Criticism • “But here’s where it gets controversial. Critics warn this plan could put due process at risk. • Immigration law is extremely complex, and military lawyers are not trained specialists in this area. The American Immigration Lawyers Association compared it to ‘a cardiologist doing a hip replacement.’ • Others argue this threatens judicial independence. Military officers operate in a chain of command, which raises concerns about command influence over court rulings. • Finally, some legal experts say this sets a dangerous precedent—because in U.S. history, military officers presiding over civilian courts has been linked to martial law, something the Supreme Court has ruled unconstitutional in the past.” Bigger Picture • “This move is part of a broader pattern: more military involvement in immigration enforcement. We’ve already seen National Guard deployments at the border and even detention facilities run with military support. • Now, with military attorneys judging civilian immigration cases, the line between civilian and military authority is being blurred further.” Is this a smart way to cut down on the backlog and speed up immigration cases—or does it risk fairness and due process for migrants?

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