Today, APBCo submitted a letter reflecting its support for an increase in FY2016 appropriations for the immigration courts, as well as related services that help unrepresented individuals navigate the complex immigration court system.

The letter appeals for the following: (1) $ 60 million for an additional 55 Immigration Judge Teams to begin to address understaffing that has led to backlogs and long delays; (2) $50 million to expand the pilot program for legal representation; (3) $25 million to expand the legal orientation program; and (4) $1 million to initiate an information desk pilot program for non-detained individuals in immigration court.

APBCo has been at the forefront of helping to find ways to ensure that recent immigrants, particularly those fleeing dangerous conditions in their home countries, have the opportunity to present their claims for asylum.

APBCoImmigration-Appropriations-Letter1