LUMPKIN, Ga. — Wait beneath a canopy of razor wire for a security guard to buzz open the first towering gate. Then, the second. Walk through the chain-link fence onto a concrete path, toward the tiny sign that says “courtroom.” To the left is a door marked “public access.”
The door is locked.

Comments
This series presents excellent evidence of the need for accountability and efficiency in the immigration system. Fast processing for those qualified to enter the country legally. Efficient mechanisms to catch illegal immigrants at the borders and return them to their home country. If the home country refuses to take them, reduce aid to that country by millions per case.
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lesvalseuses - Yes, they are people. I said make legally entering the U.S. fast and efficient for those qualified to do so. I don't say what 'qualified' means - personally I think they should be able to support themselves, and offer some skill we need that is in short supply, but that's my personal opinion. A lawless society doesn't benefit anyone.
There are no "secret courts" in the United States. Courts are public fora. This article describes a federal processing center that denies the process that is due to all those within our jurisdiction. It is institutional hypocrisy.
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I live in the Flushing zipe code and not far from where this lady was murdered. I am also someone who has following immigration issues. Here in NY, virtually everyone knows someone who is trying to either get residency or citizenship or else temporary legal papers.
I am sorry to say that neither I nor my spouse was aware of this case. It did not hit the news the way it should have here where I live.
Also, a close relative works as a volunteer paralegal in an immigrantion law clinic operated by a saint of a priest (Polish descent) who is also an attorney. My relative had been doing this for over 5 years and he says that many immigration attorneys are dishonest and don't do the right thing by their clients. His wife tells me that her husband, and others who volunteer there, have saved many people from inappropriate deportations. I have taken 2 people to this clinic and am astounded at the fact that this clinic offers help and sound advice whereas many do not. I am a firsthand witness to this fact.
Where is the Obama administration on all of this? They are an outrage and disgrace. Shocking, simply shocking.
Globe: "The Department of Justice retained control over immigration courts." Is that Holder? Immigration judges determine the fate of illegal aliens; their function is not humanitarian, their job description is to avoid deporting those that have a legal legal status here requiring clarification, or consider mitigating factors. Their is no blanket asylum, there is political asylum, and that usually occurs abroad when someone jumps the fence into a US Embassy, or the Berlin wall fleeing Communism. Our legal system affords few rights for those that violate our borders and enter the USA illegally; there was a time when they were simply placed on the next boat home, but at least we don't execute them, inter them in labor camps, or treat them as spies, as is the norm in other countries. Russia? Overstay a visa and the Immigration Police arrive at the door, an officer with two armed with Kalashnikovs, they inform the violator that there is an evening flight, pack your bag, you're going to the airport, and they don't care about the destination. Legal immigrants are "denied entry into the United States because they were sick, poor, or for other reason" such as membership in political parties, lacking a sponsor, likelihood of becoming a Public Charge, criminal history, etc. In 1986 Reagan did sign the Immigration Reform & Control Act, legalizing 3 million illegals, which he lived to regret, as Congress reneged on assurances to reform the system and secure our borders. We have some 4 million in the legal line, and it is up to Congress to determine who enters through the front door.