The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced a new immigration court docket, the Recent Arrivals (RA) Docket. The purpose of the new docket is to streamline the resolution of individuals who cross the U.S. Southwest border without permission. The new schedule will focus on single adults who are not citizens. The DOJ also submitted a new rule to address the increasing number of irregular crossing cases.

The RA Docket will be a priority for the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and will be implemented in five cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. Cases will be decided within 180 days, though some cases may take longer. Individuals be given time to seek legal representation..

The final rule submitted to the Federal Register is called Efficient Case and Docket Management in Immigration Proceedings. It sets standards for immigration judges to resolve cases efficiently. Matters that can be resolved quickly will be prioritized.

The DHS and DOJ urge Congress to pass the Senate’s bipartisan border security bill. The proposed bill gives DHS and DOJ additional resources including much needed immigration judges, asylum officers, and support staff.

As always, if you have a question about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Our firm works closely with our clients every step of the way.