Massachusetts immigration courts are grappling with an unprecedented number of deportation cases, as federal immigration authorities are on track to set a new record this year. According to recent statistics from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse at Syracuse University, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has filed over 44,000 new deportation cases in Massachusetts immigration courts through the first nine months of the 2024 federal fiscal year. The data suggests that the total number of filings could approach nearly 59,000 by the end of the fiscal year on September 30th. This figure significantly surpasses last fiscal year's total of more than 54,000 cases, marking the highest number of new filings in Massachusetts since 2001.
This surge in deportation cases in Massachusetts mirrors a broader national trend, with U.S. immigration courts experiencing a dramatic increase of over 300 percent in deportation filings from fiscal year 2018 to fiscal year 2023. Sarah Sherman-Stokes from the Immigrants’ Rights & Human Trafficking Program at Boston University School of Law has pointed out that the U.S. government's current policy of initiating deportation proceedings for all individuals crossing the border is a policy choice, not an inevitability.
The rising number of deportation cases reflects the growing challenges faced by migrants, many of whom are seeking asylum and other forms of relief due to safety concerns in their home countries. Sherman-Stokes highlighted that the current backlog of over 150,000 cases in Massachusetts immigration courts underscores the prolonged uncertainty that many migrants endure.
The influx of migrants has also strained Massachusetts' shelter system, which has been operating beyond its capacity in recent years. Recent policy changes, including a new five-day limit for temporary respite centers, led to the issuance of 57 eviction notices to families staying in overflow shelters across the state. By the deadline, only 11 families had vacated the shelters, with others receiving extensions for various reasons, including medical needs or pending enrollment in alternative assistance programs.
As Massachusetts navigates these challenges, the state's response to the escalating number of deportation cases and the pressure on its shelter system will continue to be closely watched.
Blumsack & Canzano acknowledges the significant rise in deportation cases in Massachusetts and its impact on the legal landscape. The firm observes that the record number of filings reflects broader trends in immigration enforcement and the complexities faced by migrants seeking legal relief. With a notable increase in cases and associated challenges within the state's immigration courts, Blumsack & Canzano is attentive to the implications for its immigration practice and remains focused on adapting its strategies to meet the evolving needs of clients navigating this dynamic environment.
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