The New York Times reported today that the American Bar Association (ABA)called on Congress to overhaul the current Immigration Court system and create a new, independent court in light of pleas from immigration judges and lawyers who say the Immigration Courts across the country are overwhelmed under an increasing caseload.

According to the article, Congress has debated overhauling the immigration laws to legalize status to millions of illegal immigrants for the past 4 years.  Moreover, efforts to overhaul the Immigration Courts have been non-existent.  

The ABA recommended that an independent immigration court system like the U.S. Tax Court be created.  

The Immigration Court is part of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and not the federal judiciary.  The Immigration Judges, although they wear robes and preside in courtrooms, they are DOJ employees.

Reforming the Immigration Courts is a good concept, but additional resources are greatly needed now before it is too late.