Immigration Courts Face Challenges as Many Immigrants Lack Legal Representation
In Sacramento, California, a significant number of immigrants are facing deportation proceedings without legal representation. Kamalpreet Chohan, a lawyer and coordinator of a volunteer program, highlights the absence of legal counsel for many individuals in immigration court. The program aims to assist these immigrants by providing volunteer lawyers to help navigate the complex legal system. Under the second Trump administration, the immigration courts have become a focal point for mass deportation efforts, with increased arrests and expedited hearings. Data from the Vera Institute of Justice indicates that 52% of the 3.2 million pending deportation cases in U.S. immigration courts lack legal representation. The presence of an attorney significantly increases the chances of a favorable outcome, yet many immigrants cannot afford private lawyers or access pro bono services due to long waitlists. 
