DOJ inspector general finds political screening in immigration-judge hiring

A 2008 Department of Justice Inspector General report found that senior DOJ officials, including Kyle Sampson and Monica Goodling, had screened immigration judge applicants for Republican Party affiliation and ideological loyalty beginning as early as 2004 and escalating through 2006. At least 15 candidates were rejected or passed over because of perceived Democratic ties despite strong qualifications. The IG concluded this violated federal civil service laws that prohibit political screening for career appointments, including immigration judges.