Washington (March 18, 2020) – Today, as the number of coronavirus cases surpassed 200,000 worldwide, Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) called on the Department of Justice to temporarily close all immigration courts under the Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR).

Immigration courts host dozens of visitors and personnel each day, including immigrant respondents, immigration judges, attorneys, translators, clerks, and others. The continued operation of in-person immigration hearings presents a significant public safety risk. In response to this risk, the National Association of Immigration Judges, the American Federation of Government Employees Local 511 (the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Professionals Union), and the American Immigration Lawyers Association collectively asked for courts to close to protect public safety.

“It is our responsibility to halt measures and policies that jeopardize the health and safety of our communities and prolong this crisis,” writes Senator Markey to EOIR Director James McHenry.  “Accordingly, I ask that you listen to the advice of public health officials and immigration court professionals, and order the immediate closure of immigration courts nationwide.”

A copy of Senator Markey’s letter can be found HERE.

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