US immigration courts hold mass hearings, raising due process concerns

U.S. immigration courts have adopted a new procedure known as "mega master hearings" to tackle the substantial backlog of migration cases. This method involves convening a large number of preliminary hearings within a compressed timeframe, a strategy authorities claim is essential for reducing delays.

New York has become a primary location for these mass hearings. Unlike conventional sessions that typically handle 10 to 40 cases, these mega hearings bring together more than 100 individuals before one judge in a single session, according to a report by BKLG, an organization that analyzes immigration court data. Between January 2025 and June of the current year, New York hosted 39 such sessions, with 26 occurring in June alone.

Robert Tsigler, an immigration lawyer based in New York City, described the practice to Gothamist as "artificial chaos" that "deprives vulnerable people of due process." He acknowledged that the courts state they are aiming for efficiency by holding more hearings simultaneously.

This shift in procedure coincides with an increase in deportation orders for individuals who missed their court dates. Reports indicate that these orders have risen concurrently with a reduction in the notice period provided for hearings. Lawyers and immigration advocates have noted a decrease in the time between scheduling a hearing and the actual appearance date. While previously notices could arrive weeks or months in advance, some cases now receive notifications just days before. The median notice period nationally dropped to 42 days in June. Many immigrants also reported never receiving mail notifications, learning of their hearing dates only through electronic court systems.