In August 2026, hundreds of US immigration judges attended mandatory virtual training sessions instructing them to strictly limit continuances and expedite deportation cases nationwide [1, 2, 3]. The guidance aims to reduce a backlog of approximately 3.2 million pending immigration court cases [1, 3].

Previously, judges commonly granted continuances to allow immigrants more time to find lawyers, prepare their cases, or await visa and green card approvals from other federal agencies [1, 2, 3]. The new training explicitly discouraged continuances when one party was negligent or deliberately delaying proceedings [1, 3].

Judges were told that an approved visa petition should not delay deportation proceedings if the visa is not yet available due to quota limits; deportation should move forward regardless [2]. Under the guidance, judges are generally prohibited from granting more than 10 days for immigrants to find legal representation before hearings proceed [1, 3].

Judge Keith Hunsucker, who led the training, has a record of denying over 80% of asylum applications during his tenure on immigration courts [1, 2, 3]. Attendees described a hardline tone, with one saying, "There is no room to be kind; there is only urgency to make them leave [the US], one way or the other" [2]. Another source noted, "Who has time to find a lawyer within 10 days? There is no mercy, only urgency to get them out of the US" [1].

The 10-day limit and other restrictions have drawn strong criticism for being overly harsh and potentially harming vulnerable populations, including abused children and victims of violent crimes [1, 3]. Immigration attorneys who take on more cases than they can handle face possible disciplinary action, according to a slide warning judges may refer such practitioners for sanctions [2].

The Department of Justice and Executive Office for Immigration Review defended the measures as necessary to address the massive case backlog. A DOJ spokesperson said, "Reducing the backlog remains a top priority. The DOJ is adjudicating cases fairly, quickly and consistently to restore fairness in our immigration system" [1].