Paul Wickham Schmidt – immigrationcourtside.com

🇺🇸⚖️🗽⚔️🛡️ THE THINGS WE DO, BIG & LITTLE, IN ADVOCATING FOR DUE PROCESS, FUNDAMENTAL FAIRNESS, COMMON SENSE & HUMAN DIGNITY MATTER! — Federal Judge cites Round Table’s Amicus Brief in support of key finding in halting Administration’s abuse of children facing Immigration Court!💪🏼👍🏼😎

Hon “Sir Jeffrey” Chase of the Round Table writes:

“See attached order: a TRO issued late last night. And our Round Table brief was mentioned:

The Court additionally finds that the continued funding of legal representation for unaccompanied children

promotes efficiency and fairness within the immigration system. See generally Br. for Amicus

Curiae Former Immigration Judges & Former Members of the Board of Immigration Appeals

(ECF 28). A temporary restraining order enjoining the Cancellation Order serves the public interest.

Thanks to all!”

Here’s the full decision granting the TRO:

ORDER TRO 2

And, here’s a link to our brief as recently posted on “Courtside:”

https://immigrationcourtside.com/2025/03/31/%e2%9a%96%ef%b8%8f%f0%9f%97%bd%f0%9f%91%a6%f0%9f%8f%bd%f0%9f%91%b6%f0%9f%8f%bc%f0%9f%9b%a1%ef%b8%8f%e2%9a%94%ef%b8%8f-saving-the-children-round-table-amicus-brief-supports-pro-bono-services-for/

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🇺🇸 Due Process Forever!

PWS

04-02-25

⚖️🗽👦🏽👶🏼🛡️⚔️ SAVING THE CHILDREN: ROUND TABLE AMICUS BRIEF SUPPORTS PRO BONO SERVICES FOR UNACCOMPANIED CHILDREN IN IMMIGRATION COURT!

A Helping Hand.jpg
Image depicts a child coming to the aid of another in need. Once we have climbed it is essential for the sake of humanity that we help others do the same. It is knowing that we all could use, and have used, a helping hand.
Safiyyah Scoggins – PVisions1111
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0
White Nationalist Xenophobes have abandoned Traditional Judeo-Christian values in favor of neo-fascism.But, the rest of us should hold true to our “better angels.”

Hon. “Sir Jeffrey” Chase writes:

Hi all: Attached is our just-filed amicus brief in support of the Unaccompanied Children Program.

Once again, this was a real team effort. Major thanks to Ashley Tabaddor, for lending her expertise and powerful anecdotes on very short notice. Also thanks to Sue Roy, the eagle-eyed editing of Helen Sichel, and Denise Slavin for your contributions.

We never stand so tall as when we file an amicus brief to help unaccompanied children.

Best, Jeff

CLP v. HHS Amicus Curiae Brief ISO Ps’ Motion for TRO & PI

*******************

Also many thanks to our pro bono partners at Akin Gump! It’s a team effort, and we couldn’t do it without you!🙏

⚖️Due Process Forever!

PWS

03-31-25

⚖️🛡️⚔️ ROUND TABLE’S RETIRED JUDGE JENNIE GIAMBASTIANI SPEAKS OUT ON INSANITY OF TRUMP’S SLASHING OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION PROGRAM, FORCING KIDS TO FACE IMMIGRATION COURT ALONE!🤬🤮

Hon. Jennie Giambastiani
U.S. Immigration Judge (retired)
Member, Round Table of Former Immigration Judges
PHOTO: Linkedin

The Trump administration is stripping funding for legal representation from tens of thousands of children who are unaccompanied migrants in the United States, a move immigration lawyers warn violates their legal rights and will leave minors vulnerable to abuse.

“Picture yourself thrown into a detention center in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language, where you don’t understand that country’s complex legal system, only to be told that now you must fend for yourself, assert your rights and seek whatever protections that country might offer you,” Jennie Giambastiani, a retired immigration judge, said Tuesday during a call organized by the Amica Center for Immigrant Rights.

“Now picture yourself as a child in that situation,” she added.

Government-funded attorneys changed that dynamic, Giambastiani said, because they worked hard “to make sure that the children understood the proceedings and could present their claims in court.” Most unaccompanied children can’t afford to hire their own legal representation.

Without those lawyers, Giambastiani said separately, the immigration courts would be thrown into “chaos”: “The judge won’t have any sense that this child understands why [they’re] there in court.”

Read the full HuffPost article here: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/chaos-looms-unaccompanied-kids-trump-212208216.html

Thanks for speaking out for American justice, my friend and colleague! Expect more soon from our Round Table ⚔️🛡️ on this outrageous breach of due process, good government, and common sense!

********************

🇺🇸⚖️ Due Process Forever!

PWS

03-26-25

⚖️‼️NDPA VOLUNTEER CALL-OUT: BE A “WITNESS FOR JUSTICE” IN KANSAS CITY ON APRIL 25, 26! — Sponsored by The Pen & Sword! 🖋️🗡️

Rekha Sharma-Crawford of The Pen & Sword writes:

Kansas City folks! It’s that time! The Annual Immigration Court Trial Advocacy College convenes in just over a month. Come play a witness and help train the next class of fearless immigration trial lawyers! Share with your networks please! 🙏🏽

*******************************

See you in Kansas City in April, along with my wonderful faculty friends and colleagues at the Annual Immigraton Court Trial Advocacy College. Never has effective advocacy been more important!

⚖️Due Process Forever!

PWS

03-26-25

🏴‍☠️RIDING ROUGHSHOD OVER REQUIREMENTS OF WILBERFORCE ACT, MUMP KAKISTOCRACY CANCELS LEGAL AID CONTRACTS, TARGETS KIDS FOR DEPORTATION WITHOUT DUE PROCESS! ☠️🤬🤮

Reacting to this outrageous breach of the law and morality, Wendy Young, the President of Kids in Need of Defense (“KIND”) said:

“The administration’s devastating decision to strip vital legal services away from unaccompanied children runs counter to its stated desire to protect kids, some as young as toddlers, against trafficking, exploitation, and other abuses that make them easy prey for those who would do them harm. The critical legal programs eliminated today have long-standing bipartisan support from Congress, not only because they protect children from danger, but because they also improve efficiencies in the immigration system by ensuring legal counsel for unaccompanied children who otherwise must navigate a complex court proceeding alone. This includes facilitating private-sector pro bono legal services that KIND oversees with almost 900 law firms, corporations, law schools, and bar associations at no cost to the government. The value of these contributions from KIND’s pro bono partners is approximately $1 billion, a significant contribution at a time when the federal government is claiming to seek cost savings. Elimination of the services in this contract, which are mandated by law, makes it all but impossible for many unaccompanied children to appear for their immigration court hearings or otherwise remain in touch with immigration agencies. It severs key lines of communication and coordination between vulnerable unaccompanied children and the institutions in place to ensure their protection.

“While today’s development is unconscionable, Congress can act to restore these key protections. For years, bipartisan spending bills have dedicated resources to this important work. Doing so has never been more important than now. Congress has full authority on its own to remedy the crisis the administration’s actions will yield – authority it should exercise decisively. KIND calls upon the House of Representatives and Senate to work in a bipartisan fashion to mandate robust funding in the FY 2026 federal appropriations package to the Office of Refugee Resettlement for complete restoration of unaccompanied children’s legal services, including full legal representation. The safety of thousands of children depends on it.”

For more information, please contact Brenda Bowser Soder at bbowsersoder@supportkind.org

https://supportkind.org/press-releases/elimination-of-vital-legal-services-for-unaccompanied-children-undercuts-administrations-desire-to-prevent-trafficking-ensure-court-efficiency/

Ready to face ICE prosecutors in “court?” What could possibly go wrong!
Creative Commons License

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Dismantling that which works, targeting the most vulnerable, is what a kakistocracy consisting of malicious incompetents does!🤬🤮

Due Process Forever!⚖️🗽

PWS

03-22-25

🇺🇸⚖️🗽⚔️🛡️ OUR (EVER EXPANDING) ROUND TABLE’S AMICUS BRIEF SUPPORTS THE LEGAL ORIENTATION PROGRAM (“LOP”) AT EOIR!

Read it here:

2025.03.10 Amica v DOJ Mot for Leave to File Amicus
\Brief

Many thanks to our wonderful pro bono friends at Akin Gump!

Hon. Jeffrey S. Chase
Jeffrey S. Chase Blog
Coordinator & Chief Spokesperson, Round Table of Former Immigration Judges

Leading the charge for due process! Adina Appelbaum
Director, Immigration Impact Lab
Amica Center for Immigrant Rights
Charter Member, NDPA
PHOTO: “30 Under 30” from Forbes

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So proud to be a member of our Round Table!

Due Process Forever!⚖️

PWS

03-11-25

⚖️🤯🤬 DEPARTMENT OF GROSS INJUSTICE🤮🏴‍☠️: Kakistocracy’s Outrageous Attack On Due Process, Fundamental Fairness, & Expertise in Backlogged Immigration Courts is a Destructive Political Stunt, Firing Some of the Best-Qualified Judges Who Were Serving American Justice! — Report from Isabela Dias at Mother Jones, quoting me among others!

EYORE — “Eyore In Distress”
Once A Symbol of Fairness, Due Process, & Best Practices, Now Gone “Belly Up”

The Trump administration has also reportedly taken aim at Biden appointees serving on the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)—the body charged with reviewing immigration judges’ decisions—by reducing the number of members from 28 to 15. As of January, the BIA’s backlog reached a decade-high record of more than 127,000 pending cases, an almost eightfold increase compared to 2015.

Paul Schmidt, a retired immigration judge and one-time BIA chairman, traced a parallel between the Trump administration’s “purge” and a George W. Bush-era move to “streamline” the BIA. Back then, Attorney General John Ashcroft slashed the members perceived as pro-immigrant. The Department of Justice later found itself at the center of a scandal over senior officials’ efforts to hire judges based on their political and ideological affiliations.

Similar politicization could be happening now. Prior to her unceremonious termination, Doyle had been flagged on a “DHS Bureaucrat Watchlist” by the American Accountability Foundation, a right-wing group backed by the Heritage Foundation. Last year, the organization announced an initiative called “Project Sovereignty 2025” to expose “high-ranking civil servants within DHS and DOJ who are likely to thwart an incoming conservative administration’s immigration agenda.”

The website describes Doyle, who previously served as head prosecutor with
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), as an “immigration activist lawyer” with a “known history as a critic of DHS” and a “lifelong commitment to open borders and mass migration.” (It cites Doyle’s involvement, while in private practice, in a lawsuitagainst the first Trump administration’s infamous ban on travelers from Muslim-majority countries as evidence of her supposed ideological bias.)

“Significant time and resources went into hiring all of us and the group had a diverse background including a number of former OPLA prosecutors,” Doyle, whose hiring process took 14 months between multiple rounds of interviews and an extensive background check, wrote in a LinkedIn post, “but what we all had in common is that we were hired—through a neutral system I will point out—during the Biden administration. This firing was political.”

Schmidt, the former BIA chairman, predicts all of this is just the start: “I think the worst is yet to come.”

Kerry Doyle ESQ
Former Principal Legal Advisor, ICE, DHS
Official USG Photo

Read Isabela’s complete article here:

http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/03/trump-immigration-courts-firing-doge-nonsensical-system-collapse-eoir/

Isabela Dias
Staff Writer, Immigration & Social Issues
Mother Jones
PHOTO: Twitter

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Not only does the kakistocracy treat immigrants unfairly, cruelly, and with disrespect, they inflict the same mistreatment on some of their own employees — many dedicated civil servants with expertise and honorable service.🤮

As noted by Isabela, GOP Administrations have a history of politicized hiring at EOIR and questionable personnel maneuvers going back several decades!

By sharp contrast, AG Merrick Garland actually honored all 17 of the “pipeline” IJ appointments made by his GOP predecessor AG Bill Barr under flawed selection procedures that favored those with prosecutorial or government service, some glaringly lacking immigration expertise, while discouraging or passing over better-qualified applicants with actual experience and expertise representing asylum seekers and other immigrants in his weaponized, DHS enforcement-oriented “Immigration Courts.” I was one of the many observers who harshly criticized Garland’s ill-advised and timid accession to his GOP predecessor’s questionable selections. See, e.g., https://immigrationcourtside.com/2021/05/05/%f0%9f%a4%ae%f0%9f%91%8e%f0%9f%8f%bbshocking-betrayal-justice-garland-disses-progressive-experts-with-secret-appointments-of-17-unqualified-immigration-judges-n/

While Garland did eventually make some good appointments of well-qualified jurists, overall his record on judicial appointments at EOIR was “middling at best” — certainly not the strong, effective makeover with subject matter experts unswervingly committed to due process, fundamental fairness, and best practices so desperately needed at EOIR! As a result, ridiculously inconsistent decision-making, mundane precedents, and entrenched anti-asylum, anti-immigrant attitudes at EOIR remained at endemic levels throughout the Biden Administration!🤯🤬

When it comes to EOIR and enlightened, consistent, due-process- focused immigration policies, Dems are often their own worst enemies — a disgraceful trend that infuriatingly continues even today!🤬

🇺🇸⚖️ Due Process Forever! Kakistocracy Never!

PWS

02-08-25

⚖️👨🏻‍⚖️🧑‍⚖️☠️❤️‍🩹🤬 TRUMP’S WAR ON AMERICAN JUSTICE! — DISTINGUISHED IMMIGRATION JURISTS TARGETED BY ADMINISTRATION IN “ST. VALENTINE’S DAY MASSACRE” 💀 SPEAK OUT!

St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Wall Creative Commons 2.0 — St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Wall
Creative Commons 2.0

Reprinted with permission:

Statement from 7 terminated Assistant Chief Immigration Judges (ACIJs):

*Please note – pronouns are nonbinary below only to maintain anonymity.

The terminated ACIJs are 5 females and 2 males, all age 41 or older. 2 are military veterans. 2 are racial minorities. Together, the 7 terminated ACIJs have over 105 years of public service that ended abruptly with an email sent Friday afternoon, Valentine’s Day.

1. Facts related to termination:

– Friday afternoon we all received by e-mail a PDF letter terminating us with no notice and no cause for the termination.

2. Summary of our experience: Combined, the 7 ACIJs led 18 immigration courts, and supervised approximately 135 immigration judges and 418 support staff. One was working on opening a new immigration court with 4 judges. Their termination leaves roughly 25% of the nation’s immigration courts without leadership or additional judges to preside while the immigration case backlog grows to over 3.6 million cases.

– At least one ACIJ was sent the termination email during the middle of a merits hearing (asylum case) over which they were presiding.

– 4 of the ACIJs were backups for each other’s courts, so at least 4 courts are without any clear leadership.

Collectively, we are devastated at the loss of our ability to continue in our jobs serving the public and serving EOIR’s mission to “adjudicate immigration cases by fairly, expeditiously, and uniformly interpreting and administering the Nation’s immigration laws.”

*****************

Rather than a “model of due process and fundamental fairness,” under this Administration EOIR is becoming a “parody of justice.” Obviously, getting rid of high-performing, experienced judges who were also in leadership positions, particularly in the face of a backlog approaching 4 million cases, has nothing to do with “efficiency” and everything to do with weaponization of the Immigration Courts against individuals seeking to vindicate their legal rights under our laws and our Constitution!

Thanks to this group for your service, and Due Process Forever!

PWS

03-04-25

⚖️👩🏻‍⚖️👨🏻‍⚖️🤯🤬 “ASHCROFT PURGE OF ’03 REDUX!” — As EOIR backlog approaches 4 million cases, and due process deteriorates, Trump Administration reportedly plans to reduce the size of the BIA by 13 Appellate Immigration Judges! — The “farce of independent quasi-judicial review” at the BIA continues in full swing as Article IIIs ignore the clear 5th Amendment due process violations inherent in the structure and politicized administration of “Immigration Courts” controlled by the Executive that are not able to function independently!🤯

****************************************

Been there, done that!

Redux of the “Ashcroft Purge of the BIA” in ‘03!🤮 That touched off a crisis in the Circuit Courts who were infuriated by the resulting sloppy “rubber stamp” denials and intemperate language from some IJs. Circuit Judges Posner (CA 7) and Walker (CA 2) were particularly harsh and publicly critical of EOIR’s poor performance. Former GOP House staff member and “practical scholar” Peter Levinson published the definitive analysis of this due process farce in his article “The Facade of Quasi-Judicial Independence In Immigration Appellate Adjudications,” available here: https://immigrationcourtside.com/2024/04/02/%e2%9a%96%ef%b8%8f-bia-expands-to-28-appellate-judges-plus-bonus-coverage-lest-we-forget-the-ashcroft-purge-of-the-bia/

⚖️ BIA EXPANDS TO 28 APPELLATE JUDGES! — PLUS BONUS COVERAGE: “Lest We Forget: The Ashcroft Purge of the BIA!” Dan Kowalski reports: This document is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on 04/02/2024 “On April 1,

Not surprisingly, following the purge, the BIA found it difficult to operate with an arbitrarily reduced number of members. To fill the gap that they had created, DOJ politicos and “EOIR Management” began designating senior BIA staff attorneys as “Temporary Board Members” (“TBMs”). Unlike the “purged members” who had gone through a competitive selection process prior to appointment, the designation of TBMs was solely within the discretion of EOIR Management subject to approval by the Deputy Attorney General.

Only “BIA staff insiders” were considered for these appointments. There was no transparent public selection process.

Significantly, the TBMs had no vote at en banc conferences nor could they vote on publication of precedents (although they could be panel members on published precedent decisions voted on by a majority of “permanent” Board Members). While their terms of service were supposed to be limited, subject to reappointment, this requirement was largely ignored by the DOJ and EOIR Management until somebody raised it as a potential issue and corrective action was taken. Obviously, TBMs who aspired to one day join the BIA on a permanent basis had every incentive not to “rock the boat” or show “undue independence” in a way that might displease EOIR Management or the DOJ politicos who were involved in such selections.

At first, this “insider process” was kept largely “below the radar screen.” But, eventually, as attorneys started noticing unfamiliar names on appellate decisions, the process was acknowledged by EOIR Management and the names and bios of the TBMs started appearing on the EOIR website. (The BIA had previously, on occasion, used field Immigration Judges, OCAHO ALJs, and rehired retired Board Members “sitting by designation,” on panels in a manner similar to the U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals. The regulations had been changed to permit the designation of senior BIA staff as an additional option.)

Eventually, the DOJ “came clean” and began once again expanding the “permanent membership” of the BIA without ever publicly acknowledging that it had been problematic and wasteful to reduce the BIA’s membership for political reasons in the first place. That expansion eventually reached 28 Appellate Immigration Judges as described in the “Courtside” link above.

So, now begins a new round of arbitrary, politically motivated, “reductions” in the size of the BIA, even in the face of overwhelming backlogs. But, if this “politically weaponized” parody of a ”court system” continues into the future, don’t be surprised if some future DOJ politicos return to the “TBM system” or start once again increasing the number of BIA “permanent” judges.

That, of course, highlights the bigger question: How does a “court system” where politically-motivated Executive Branch employees have complete control and discretion over the hiring, firing, and “supervision” of “administrative judges” pass muster under the due process clause of the 5th Amendment? Basically, both Article III Courts and the Congress have “punted” on the glaring conflicts of interest and inherent biases presented by such a “captive” tribunal.

Here’s additional coverage from Britain Eakin on Law360, quoting me, among others:

Trump Admin To Nearly Halve Immigration Appeals Board – Law360

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⚖️ Due Process Forever!

PWS

02-21-25

🏴‍☠️💀🤮🤬🤯 JUSTICE DENIED, BACKLOGS BE DAMNED! — “Perverse Valentine’s Day Massacre” 💔as Mass Firings Hit Immigration Courts! — Here’s one former Judge’s personal account of her firing: “I therefore had a unique perspective and experience that I could bring to my work as an immigration judge.” 🤯☹️

Here’s former Judge Kerry Doyle’s account of her recent firing by EOIR, as originally posted on LinkedIn. Notably, Judge Doyle is a widely-respected immigration expert, a “total pro,” with decades of professional experience, including both ICE and the private sector. In other words, she is exactly the kind of fair, “practical scholar” judge EOIR needs to carry out its real, even if disgracefully abandoned, mission of guaranteeing due process and fundamental fairness for all!

Happy Saturday! I truly hope all of you were able to spend some time with someone you love 💕 yesterday on Valentine’s Day—two legged or four 😉. Sadly, my day was a little more complicated. I was, via email, terminated by the Acting Director of EOIR as an immigration judge yesterday, February 14, 2025.

I had not publicly posted that I had started working as an IJ in the hope of keeping my head down and just getting to work and avoiding having a bullseye on me. Unfortunately, I was unable to avoid the political pink slip.

This firing occurred despite the fact that the Immigration Court currently has in the neighborhood of 3.5 MILLION pending cases and DOJ is asking Congress for more money to hire more people at EOIR! (Hint: don’t fire the people you already have!). This firing occurred despite the fact that among my peers in my court, I had the longest and most extensive experience in immigration law and had served both as a defense counsel representing immigrants, but also as the top immigration prosecutor as PLA with ICE. I therefore had a unique perspective and experience that I could bring to my work as an immigration judge.

Sadly, DOJ cancelled our training that was to take place Feb. 10-14 (irony!) for me and the others hired late last year or early this year in my “class.” They never rescheduled it and then fired me and the rest of the new class yesterday. A number of Assistant Chief Immigration Judges were also fired. I can’t say I was surprised this happened. I was expecting it, especially when I showed up in the notorious “DHS Watchlist” late last year.

Significant time and resources went into hiring all of us and the group had a diverse background including a number of former OPLA prosecutors, but what we all had in common is that we were hired—through a neutral system I will point out—during the Biden Administration. This firing was political.

Needless to say, I’m looking for a new opportunity so let me know if you have any tips! Thanks to everyone. We will persist. What you do matters!

Her urgent message to the NDPA is truer now than ever: “What you do matters!”

Thank you for your service to our nation and to our justice system, Judge Doyle! 🇺🇸👍🏼🎖️⚖️🗽

Here’s additional coverage forwarded by Debi Sanders: https://wtop.com/national/2025/02/justice-department-fires-20-immigration-judges-from-backlogged-courts-amid-major-government-cuts/

It was also covered by NBC national news, albeit briefly, in a segment about the wider firing of probationary civil servants.

⚖️ DUE PROCESS FOREVER!

PWS

02-16-25

⚖️⚔️🗽🛡️💪🏼 BECOME A POWERFUL WARRIOR FOR JUSTICE IN AMERICA🇺🇸 — Join Us in KC, April 24-26, For the Eighth Annual Immigration Court Trial Advocacy College! — Register at the link!

“Goin to Kansas City, Kansas City here I come!” Be there, or be square! Fats Domino (1928-2017)
R&B, R&R, Pianist & Singer
Circa 1980 PHOTO: Creative Commons. Here’s the registration link:

https://thepen-and-swordkc.org/events/eighth-annual-immigration-court-trial-advocacy-college/

See you there!

⚖️ Due Process Forever!

PWS

02-`14-25

⚖️🗽💪🦸🏻‍♀️😎 WHAT MAKES IT ALL WORTHWHILE: In a time of intentional chaos, irrational cruelty, and extreme misgovernance, we must celebrate and be inspired by the daily individual victories of the NDPA!

Equal Justice
FROM: United Nations, Creative Commons License

Got this from a former student last week:

Happy New Year! Just wanted to share a victory with you, I had my first bond hearing today and I got it granted over ICE objections! I was channeling you the whole time!

Due Process Forever!⚖️😎

PWS

02-02-25

🇺🇸⚖️🗽🛡️⚔️💪 ROUND TABLE’S OPEN LETTER TO CONGRESS URGES REINSTATEMENT OF LEGAL ORIENTATION PROGRAM (“LOP”) @ EOIR!

Here’s our letter: Round Table LOP letter

Many thanks to the Round Table’s “Rapid Response Team” led by retired Judges “Sir Jeffrey” S. Chase and Dana Leigh Marks for spearheading this response on very short notice!

🇺🇸 ⚖️ DUE PROCESS FOREVER!

PWS

01-31-25

🏴‍☠️☠️ BREAKING: THE FARCE OF JUSTICE @ JUSTICE: ANOTHER GOP PURGE OF BIA JUDGES AS TRUMP REMOVES AT LEAST 9 GARLAND APPOINTEES! — Politicized Weaponization of Immigration “Courts” In High Gear!

Grim Reaper — G. Reaper visits the BIA.
Image: Hernan Fednan, Creative Commons License

COURTSIDE EXCLUSIVE

By Paul Wickham Schmidt

Courtside has learned that the following eight Garland-appointed BIA Appellate Immigration Judges have been “reassigned” to staff positions: Geller, LeMelle, Kludt, Reilly, Brown, Nahas, Clark, and Borkowski. A ninth, unidentified AIJ was placed on “administrative leave.”

The reassignments of these key quasi-judicial officials appears to be related to a memo sent to all agency heads from OPM on Jan. 20, stating: “No later than January 24, 2025, agencies should identify all employees on probationary periods, who have served less than a year in a competitive service appointment, or who have served less than two years in an excepted service appointment, and send a report to OPM listing all such employees to employeeaccountability@opm.gov, with a copy to Amanda Scales at amanda.scales@opm.gov. In addition, agencies should promptly determine whether those employees should be retained at the agency.”

Expect further weaponization of EOIR against due process and fundamental fairness (which are EOIR’s actual mission)!

Due Process Forever! 🇺🇸⚖️🗽

PWS

01-30-25

😎🏝️WANNA GET AWAY FROM WORRYING ABOUT “BLEAK HOUSE?” — Take a Break With This New PSA From Diane Harrison: “Key Strategies for Aspiring Digital Nomads to Succeed”

Key Strategies for Aspiring Digital Nomads to Succeed

Image via Pexels

The digital nomad lifestyle merges the excitement of travel with the potential for a fulfilling career. This way of life requires a blend of adaptability and strategic foresight. It’s not merely about working remotely; it’s about embracing a global perspective and seizing diverse opportunities. By focusing on areas such as legal requirements, cultural engagement, and sustainable practices, digital nomads can carve out a rewarding path.

Protecting Your Digital Privacy

As a digital nomad, safeguarding your data is paramount. With the rise of remote work, cyber threats have become more prevalent, making it essential to adopt robust security practices. Implementing tools like virtual private networks (VPNs) and two-factor authentication can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches. Staying informed about the latest cybersecurity trends ensures you can proactively defend your online presence. By prioritizing these measures, you can confidently pursue the digital nomad lifestyle without sacrificing your privacy or data integrity.

Traveling Sustainably

As you embrace the digital nomad lifestyle, making environmentally conscious travel choices is a meaningful way to reduce your carbon footprint. Opting for trains or buses instead of flights can significantly cut down on emissions, as air travel is a major contributor to global pollution. Additionally, choosing accommodations with green certifications or energy-efficient practices can further minimize your environmental impact. These mindful decisions support a healthier planet and set a positive example within the digital nomad community.

Building a Cybersecurity Career

The field of cybersecurity offers a promising path for digital nomads, combining the freedom of remote work with the critical task of protecting digital information. By enrolling in an online degree program, you can sharpen your skills in safeguarding computer and network systems. A degree not only enhances your technical abilities but also provides a structured learning environment adaptable to your nomadic lifestyle. For more infoon available programs and career opportunities in cybersecurity, explore reputable online resources and educational platforms.

Developing a Routine for Success

Maintaining a consistent daily routine is vital for your mental and physical well-being as a digital nomad. Navigating various time zones and environments can be challenging, but adapting your routine can alleviate stress and confusion. Establishing a regular sleep schedule and incorporating exercise into your day can boost your productivity and mood, no matter where you are. By tailoring a routine that fits your unique travel circumstances, you can excel both personally and professionally in the digital nomad lifestyle.

Crafting a Standout Resume

Your resume is your first impression in the digital world, and making it stand out is key to attracting potential clients. Exploring AI resume builder tools can streamline this process, allowing you to create polished, professional resumes quickly. These tools offer personalized suggestions based on your unique experiences and career aspirations, ensuring your resume captures attention in a competitive market. Present a well-structured and engaging resume to enhance your chances of securing more client opportunities.

Embracing Cultural Diversity

Immersing yourself in different cultures can heighten your remote work experience and open up new career paths. Cultivating cultural awareness improves your communication skills with international clients and builds meaningful connections with others. This adaptability can lead to unique opportunities, such as collaborations with local businesses or gaining insights into emerging markets. Embracing cultural diversity is not just about personal growth; it’s a strategic move that can advance your career in the global digital landscape.

Mastering Legal and Visa Essentials

Understanding the legal and visa landscapes across different countries is essential for a smooth digital nomad experience. Each nation has unique regulations concerning work permits and visas, and non-compliance can result in fines or even deportation. Some countries offer digital nomad visas that simplify the process for remote workers. However, relying on a tourist visa for work is often illegal. To successfully navigate these challenges, thorough research and consultation with legal experts are essential.

The digital nomad lifestyle is a blend of freedom and professional growth, requiring a proactive approach to both work and travel. By focusing on cybersecurity, cultural engagement, and legal compliance, you can create a sustainable and enriching path. This journey is about building a life that aligns with your values and aspirations, offering both personal satisfaction and career success.

Stay informed and inspired with the latest insights on immigration law and policy by visiting Immigration Courtside, where due process and justice are always at the forefront!

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Thanks, Diane, and DPF!

PWS😎

01-18-25

Hon “Sir Jeffrey” Chase of the Round Table writes:

Here’s the full decision granting the TRO:

And, here’s a link to our brief as recently posted on “Courtside:”

🇺🇸 Due Process Forever!

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Hon. “Sir Jeffrey” Chase writes:

Also many thanks to our pro bono partners at Akin Gump! It’s a team effort, and we couldn’t do it without you!🙏

⚖️Due Process Forever!

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🇺🇸⚖️ Due Process Forever!

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Rekha Sharma-Crawford of The Pen & Sword writes:

⚖️Due Process Forever!

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Reacting to this outrageous breach of the law and morality, Wendy Young, the President of Kids in Need of Defense (“KIND”) said:

Due Process Forever!⚖️🗽

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Read it here:

Many thanks to our wonderful pro bono friends at Akin Gump!

So proud to be a member of our Round Table!

Due Process Forever!⚖️

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Read Isabela’s complete article here:

🇺🇸⚖️ Due Process Forever! Kakistocracy Never!

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Reprinted with permission:

Thanks to this group for your service, and Due Process Forever!

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⚖️ Due Process Forever!

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Thank you for your service to our nation and to our justice system, Judge Doyle! 🇺🇸👍🏼🎖️⚖️🗽

⚖️ DUE PROCESS FOREVER!

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⚖️ Due Process Forever!

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Got this from a former student last week:

Due Process Forever!⚖️😎

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Here’s our letter: Round Table LOP letter

🇺🇸 ⚖️ DUE PROCESS FOREVER!

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COURTSIDE EXCLUSIVE

By Paul Wickham Schmidt

Due Process Forever! 🇺🇸⚖️🗽

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Key Strategies for Aspiring Digital Nomads to Succeed

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