Understand Immigration Basics

Executive Office for Immigration Review Director David Neal testified August 19, 2025, that 127 immigration courts closed due to judge shortages while Trump demands 500% faster deportation proceedings. The administration fired 200 judges for "slow" decisions but can't find replacements, creating 2.8 million case backlog while detention centers overflow with people who can't get hearings for three years.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement reported August 16, 2025, that arrests declined to 18,200 in July from 30,500 in June despite Trump's promises of unprecedented enforcement, with agency sources citing court backlogs, detention center overcrowding, and judicial resistance to rushed proceedings. The decline comes as 127 immigration courts closed due to Trump's firing of "slow" judges, creating massive bottleneck in deportation pipeline.

Assist newcomers in accessing government services and community resources. Service navigation skills.

Know what rights immigrants have regardless of status. Human rights awareness for community support.

Know federal vs state roles in immigration

Recognize and counter false claims about immigration. Fact-checking skills for community education.

Know how immigration affects local economies and job markets. Economic analysis for policy discussions.

Help newcomers connect with community resources and opportunities. Community building for inclusive neighborhoods.