The gist

Codifies the Attorney General's power to hire experienced immigration lawyers as temporary judges, aiming to shrink the backlog of pending cases in immigration courts.

Who wins, who loses

• Wins: immigrants waiting years for hearings, overworked permanent judges, families stuck in legal limbo.
• Loses: critics worried temporary judges could be used to replace permanent ones or rush deportation rulings.

What it does

• Limits temporary judge picks to former immigration judges, Board of Immigration Appeals members, or attorneys with 10+ years immigration law experience.
• Sets 6-month renewable terms, capped at four consecutive terms (2 years total).
• Requires 8 weeks initial training plus 1 training day every 2 weeks of service.
• Requires a 3-year break before reappointment after hitting the 2-year limit.

Why should I care?

The immigration court backlog tops 3 million cases, with waits often exceeding 4 years. Supporters say temporary judges with deep expertise can clear cases faster without lowering standards. Critics argue this is a band-aid that lets Congress avoid funding permanent judgeships and could pressure quick rulings. Where do you land? Vote below and use "Tell Your Rep" to make sure your voice reaches Congress.