The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Attorney General of the United States announced the creation of a new Dedicated Docket process to accelerate immigration processing for individuals arriving between ports of entry at the Southwest Border in May 2021. The program places individuals on a ‘dedicated docket’, provides them with information on the U.S. immigration process, and access to pro bono legal services, among other benefits. Since the introduction of the program through mid-September, approximately 16,000 cases have been handled. Over 100 initial decisions have been reached. Under the program, immigration judges in specific cities are asked to process the assigned dedicated docket cases within 300 days.

There is an estimated backlog of over 1.4 million immigration cases in the U.S. In addition, tens of thousands of migrants enter the U.S. each month, with instructions to contact immigration authorities once settled. The program was developed to shorten the nearly four-year average wait time for immigration cases. A total of ten cities are identified for the program, including Denver, Detroit, El Paso, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle. The Justice Department selected these locations based on established access to legal services and available judges. An estimated thirty-five of the country’s 530 immigration judges are assigned to the docket.

The southwest border has seen a dramatic rise in the number of migrant arrivals, including nearly 15,000 Haitians and an overall increase from Latin America.

Some experts believe the program rushes the process of building asylum cases, limiting individuals’ chances. This is particularly true if access to legal expertise isn’t available. In previous efforts under the Obama and Trump administration, a similar program resulted in the removal of individuals for those who didn’t have legal help, per the Migration Policy Institute.

Issues with language barriers, work permits, and access to pro bono attorneys are slowing the process.

ILBSG continues to monitor ongoing immigration legislation and policies. If you have questions about your situation, contact us at ILBSG.

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