The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights is seeking to compel the Department of Justice and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) to disclose EOIR guidance to immigration judges that subjected children to the expedited processing of their cases in immigration court. The Young Center submitted a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for records related to recent changes in how immigration judges process and schedule children’s cases.

These changes resulted in many hearings for children being moved up and have limited the ability of immigration judges to grant continuances. EOIR did not publicly disclose any new guidance given to immigration judges. The expedited processing of children’s cases raises due process concerns, namely, that children are not being given enough time to find legal representation in their immigration case, to meet with their attorney to discuss their case, to gather evidence to support their case, and to prepare the necessary documents to apply for legal relief. Because EOIR did not timely respond to the FOIA request, the Young Center, represented by public interest law firm Terris, Pravlik & Millian, LLP, seeks a court order requiring full disclosure of guidance being given to immigration judges.

• Complaint: Filed 06/16/26