Immigration judge (United States)

An immigration judge, formerly known as a special inquiry officer, is an employee of the United States Department of Justice. An immigration judge decides cases of aliens in various types of removal proceedings. During the proceedings, an immigration judge may grant any type of immigration relief or benefit to a noncitizen, including to his or her family members.

An immigration judge is appointed by (and works under the direction of) the U.S. Attorney General. In other words, under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), immigration judges act as representatives of the Attorney General and can only act according to authority delegated by the Attorney General (such as under the regulations) or by the INA. There are approximately 600 immigration judges located at 68 immigration courts and three adjudication centers across the United States. An immigration judge can either be a citizen or a national of the United States.