The Executive Office for Immigration Review reported a record backlog exceeding three million pending cases, with average wait times stretching beyond four years in some jurisdictions. Judges in Texas and California said understaffing and outdated docket software slow hearings even as new arrivals decline from 2024 peaks.
Bipartisan senators floated a funding package for additional immigration judges and legal orientation programs, but leadership has not scheduled floor time before the summer recess. Advocacy groups warned that prolonged uncertainty harms families and employers sponsoring skilled workers in tech and healthcare.
Border-state governors asked DHS for clearer data-sharing on parole programs and requested federal reimbursement for local shelter costs. Legal clinics reported surging demand for pro-bono representation in World Cup host cities expecting visitor visa overstays unrelated to asylum dockets.
WOP360 tracks US institutions and Americas migration policy on wop360.com/united-states.
