In an effort that is supposed to save costs, the Trump administration is planning on removing in-person interpreters from an immigrant’s initial court hearing. Before, individuals going through the process would have someone with them to clarify laws, explain their rights, and answer questions; however, with the proposed changes, person-to-person interpreters will be replaced by video recordings.

Concern About Using Videos

Although purported to be a more efficient method, the planned video process is problematic in that immigrant judges may often see people from various countries, speaking a multitude of languages within a short period of time. Having video recordings instead of human interpreters would make it difficult to ensure that all of these individuals can understand the immigration court processes. It also restricts their ability to ask clarifying questions, creating confusion and possibly producing a basis for immigration appeals.

Decreased Efficiency in Immigration Court Processes

Referring to the budget as the main reason for the proposed change, the Department of Justice stated that, if an immigrant has questions, the judge can use a telephone interpreting service to relay answers. However, some say that using other means to translate information would slow the process down. In a system that has seen the number of cases growing over the years, any change that decreases efficiency puts a strain on the courts’ resources and introduces unfairness.

Limiting for Individuals Lacking Legal Counsel

During court proceedings, immigrants can have an attorney with them to help understand when future hearings are scheduled and what the next steps are. However, not all individuals going through the process have access to legal counsel. The recorded instructions would make hearings especially difficult for those unable to hire lawyers.

For a Free Consultation, Contact Maria Jones Law Firm

Our attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate and aggressive legal support to those facing immigration law matters. We have over 15 years of legal experience have helped numerous individuals achieve their immigration goals. If you are scheduled for a court hearing, we will be by your side throughout the process, delivering skilled guidance to help you understand your rights and court expectations.

To schedule your free case evaluation, call us at (602) 603-4032 or contact us online.Categories