The Executive Office for Immigration Review has completed a nationwide rollout of virtual hearing systems, allowing immigration judges to conduct proceedings remotely. The system connects respondents, attorneys, and interpreters through secure video platforms from any location.
Immigration lawyers report mixed results, noting that while the technology reduces travel burdens and scheduling delays, it can create challenges for clients who lack reliable internet access or private spaces for sensitive legal proceedings.
The virtual system has helped reduce the immigration court backlog by approximately 12%, processing an additional 85,000 cases in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
