An immigration court few have heard of is quietly shaping policy behind the scenes

The Trump administration has significantly influenced U.S. immigration policy by altering the Board of Immigration Appeals, a key part of the Justice Department. This board, which reviews immigration court cases, has been reduced in size and filled with judges appointed by Trump. These changes have led to decisions that favor deportation and limit immigrants’ rights, such as making it harder to appeal decisions or secure bond instead of detention. The board’s decisions now support the Department of Homeland Security in 97% of cases, much higher than in previous years. This shift impacts many immigrants’ lives, as the board sets important legal precedents. Immigration courts, part of the Justice Department, handle cases where immigrants argue to stay in the U.S., while government lawyers argue for their removal. QUESTION: How might changes in immigration policy affect the lives of young immigrants and their families in the U.S.?