Immigration Courts are fast-tracking hearings for Somali immigrants in removal proceedings.
It is confirmed to be happening in Seattle Immigration Court.
What this means:
- Somali nationals, who are already in removal proceedings, are receiving notices advancing their immigration court hearings.
- Individuals are reporting advanced hearings for the final week in February.
- In some cases the hearings are in person and in others the hearing will be conducted remotely through WebEx.
- In other cases the presence of the individual is waived and only the attorney is required to be present.
Why this is happening:
- It is believed Somali cases are being processed through the Asylum Cooperative Agreements or “ACAs” that the government has made with third-party countries that it deems safe.
- According to these ACAs, an asylum seeker may be removed to these countries, even if the person has never been to that country, which as far as we know include Belize, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, and Uganda.
What to do:
- If you are a Somali national in removal proceedings, check your court information online or contact your attorney to see if this change impacts your case
- Plan with your family regarding the more urgent possibility of deportation.
- Connect with CAIR-WA for updated information regarding this issue and other policy changes. Sign up for our newsletter here and follow us on Instagram here.
Who is not impacted:
- The advanced docket only applies to Somalis in removal proceedings.
- If you are NOT already in removal you will not be impacted by this change.
- This change also does not impact people who have current status and are not subject to removal.