Overview

• Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley accuses the Biden administration of attempting to silence immigration judges, calling it a 'blatant attempt' to obstruct legally protected speech.
• The DOJ's gag order, issued in February, reverses over 50 years of precedent allowing judges to speak publicly on immigration court system issues.
• The National Association of Immigration Judges, facing a 3 million case backlog, has been vocal about the system's shortcomings and the need for judicial independence.
• Critics label the DOJ's move as 'draconian' and 'un-American,' fearing it will prevent judges from sharing critical perspectives on immigration policy and court management.
• President Biden's recent advocacy for additional immigration judges contrasts with the DOJ's policy, raising concerns about the administration's commitment to transparency and free speech.