Immigration Court Guides
Plain-language guides to understanding the US immigration court system, using PlainImmigration data, and the research on systemic patterns in case outcomes.
These guides are for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Every immigration case is unique. Consult a licensed immigration attorney.
How the US Immigration Court Process Works
Right to Counsel in Immigration Court
Asylum in the US: The Basic Framework
The Immigration Judge Lottery
Immigration Court Backlogs
Detained vs Non-Detained Outcomes
How Nationality Affects Outcomes
Explore the Data
Guides provide context. For the raw court data, explore courts, judges, and nationalities.
Methodology
Our guides are based on publicly available data from authoritative government sources. All statistics, ratings, and figures cited in these guides are drawn directly from official datasets and publications, with sources clearly referenced throughout.
We aim to present complex government data in plain language that is accessible to general audiences. When methodologies differ between data sources or change over time, we note these variations inline. Our editorial process includes regular reviews to ensure accuracy and timeliness of the information presented.