United States immigration courts operate on the tension line that has existed for at least 135 years in the United States between our romantic notion of the United States as a land of immigrants and the aspirational notion of the United States as a nation of laws.

The book serves as a practical guide for attorneys and laymen who are interested in immigration matters within the jurisdiction of United States immigration courts.

In addition, the book provides a historical overview of the evolution of immigration law in relation to the role of the Immigration Judge, including suggestions for improvements in the institutions that enforce and administer United States immigration law; and the law itself.

One reform idea suggested within is to free immigration courts from the influence of the executive arm of government that enforces immigration law as well as policies promulgated in the same executive arm of government by taking the immigration courrs out of the Department of Justice, where they now reside, and establishing them as independent legislative courts.

This reform would more effectively insulate the immigration courts from powerful influence of the executive arm of government and seemingly concomitant political machinations by establishing the check and balance of the judical branch over the adjudication of immigration controversies.
 

Praise For Approaching the Bench From Inside The Immigration Court . . .

"This ambitious book is the ultimate guide to the U.S. immigration court system . . . an engaging book that is accessible to both laymen and lawyers alike . . . brilliantly serves its purpose in a succinct and engaging manner." - US Review of Books

". . . one of the most detailed and intelligent insider views of American immigration courts . . . Judge Zimmer has done the American public a great service by writing this book . . . anyone with an interest in understanding the history of American immigration ane important political and social debates about immigration and naturalization should start by reading this book." -  Pacific Book Review

"A comprehensive, readable guide to the immigration process enhanced by the insights of an experienced professional." - Kirkus Reviews