Trump Administration Fires Immigration Judges Without Cause: A Threat to Judicial Independence?

Breaking News: Trump Administration Fires Immigration Judges Without Cause On a Friday afternoon in early September, Anam Rahman Petit was terminated as an immigration judge by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) without explanation. Petit had been serving on the bench since 2020 and was nearing completion of her probationary period. Timeline: September 9: EOIR sends termination notice to Petit via email. Same day: Petit delivers oral decision in a complex family asylum case before being informed of her firing. No reason provided for termination in the email or subsequent communication. Immediate Impact and Response: Petit's sudden dismissal has sparked outrage among former immigration judges, who claim that the Trump administration is systematically dismantling the courts. "The Trump administration is shrinking the courts because they don't think they're going to need them," said a former judge, speaking on condition of anonymity. Background Context: The EOIR oversees the nation's immigration court system, which has been criticized for its efficiency and fairness. The agency has faced scrutiny over its handling of asylum cases, with some judges accusing the administration of pressuring them to expedite decisions and deny claims. What Happens Next: As the controversy surrounding Petit's termination continues to unfold, questions are being raised about the motivations behind the EOIR's actions. Will other immigration judges be targeted for dismissal? What does this mean for the future of the US immigration court system? This development highlights the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and the judiciary, with implications for the rule of law and access to justice in the United States. Sources: Interview with Anam Rahman Petit EOIR termination notice (dated September 9) Former immigration judges' accounts *This story is developing. Information compiled from Motherjones reporting.*