Additional Dedicated Docket Statistics

EOIR and DHS have developed a Dedicated Docket (DD) to more expeditiously and fairly make decisions in immigration cases of families who arrive between ports of entry at the Southwest Border. EOIR has identified immigration courts in 11 cities with established communities of legal services providers and available judges to handle the cases. The designated cities are Boston, Denver, Detroit, El Paso, Los Angeles, Miami, Newark, New York City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle. Each of these cities have dedicated hearing locations.

EOIR’s Office of the Chief Immigration Judge endeavors to provide trial date certainty, but circumstances do sometimes require that immigration courts reschedule cases (e.g., court closures; docket availability; incorrect filing location). 

EOIR works continuously with DHS to have Notices to Appear (NTAs) filed electronically—and in the correct location with appropriate dates/times—to reduce the number of cases that must be rescheduled. This new process should significantly decrease the amount of time it takes for aliens to have their cases adjudicated while still providing fair hearings for those seeking asylum. Please also see Policy Memorandum 21-23 for a full description of the DD program.

Within EOIR’s Case Management System (CASE), DD cases are identified as cases received after May 28, 2021, with a case identifier of DD that are scheduled at one of the 11 cities dedicated hearing locations. The case identifier is based upon DHS placing a DD identifier on the NTA.

Under the DD, EOIR’s immigration judges will work generally to issue a decision within 300 days of the initial master calendar hearing, subject to the unique circumstances of each case including allowing time for families to seek representation. As the initiative matures, EOIR will report progress in terms of cases completed within 300 days and other metrics of public interest; however, due to the nascence of this program, EOIR will start by reporting aggregate statistics such as receipts and completions.

EOIR is working with DHS to ensure cases are sent to the appropriate hearing locations so they can be heard in a timely and fair manner.