Oregon Lawmakers Oppose Trump Administration's Immigration Court Practices
U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, alongside U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Andrea Salinas, Val Hoyle, Maxine Dexter, and Janelle Bynum, have collectively demanded that the Trump administration cease its practice of "mega master" immigration hearings. These hearings are designed to expedite the review of hundreds of immigrant cases in a single day, which the lawmakers argue leads to the fast-tracking of immigrant removals without adequate due process. In a letter addressed to Attorney General Todd Blanche, Acting Director of the Executive Office for Immigration Review Sirce E. Owen, and Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement David Venturella, the Oregon lawmakers expressed serious constitutional concerns. They highlighted that the administration's policies have increased the number of immigrants appearing with little notice before handpicked judges, while simultaneously limiting access to legal counsel and fast-tracked asylum interviews. The lawmakers specifically noted ...
