Federal Immigration Judge Fired After Granting Asylum Against Trump Policies

Sat Dec 20 2025 10:50:05 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Christopher Day, a U.S. Army Reserve lawyer serving as a federal immigration judge, was dismissed shortly after his appointment for frequently granting asylum, diverging from the Trump administration's strict deportation agenda.

Christopher Day's termination just weeks into his role as a federal immigration judge raises questions about the influence of political directives on immigration justice. Serving from late October and fired by early December, Day granted asylum in 54% of the cases he ruled on, highlighting tensions within the immigration court system amid the Trump administration’s push for mass deportations. His firing exemplifies the broader trend of stricter immigration enforcement, with the administration reportedly dismissing nearly 100 judges perceived as too lenient.

MIAMI (AP) — A U.S. Army Reserve lawyer serving as a federal immigration judge has been fired after granting asylum at a notable rate contrasting with the Trump administration's mass deportation objectives.

Christopher Day assumed his temporary role in late October at the immigration court in Annandale, Virginia, but was dismissed around December 2, as confirmed by the National Association of Immigration Judges.

Reasons for Day's termination remain unclear. He did not provide comments to reporters, and a spokesperson from the Justice Department avoided engaging in details about personnel matters.

Federal data indicates Day ruled favorably in asylum cases, contrasting the administration's priorities. In November, he ruled on 11 cases, granting asylum or other forms of relief in 6 instances, as per data from nonprofit organization Mobile Pathways.

This favorable ruling trend for migrants has dwindled significantly, with the current administration pursuing aggressive measures to address a backlog of 3.8 million asylum cases through significant changes in the nation’s immigration courts.

The Trump administration has let go of nearly 100 judges deemed excessively liberal and altered recruitment processes, allowing any attorney to apply for the role termed 'Deportation Judge.'

In line with these measures, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the deployment of military lawyers to assist in handling asylum cases, raising concerns among advocacy groups. The fear is that these judges might become mere instruments for enforcement rather than fair arbiters of justice.

Despite the deployment of military judges, most have been seen meeting administration expectations, with a high percentage ruling against migrants' asylum claims. Meanwhile, Day’s case illustrates the precarious nature of immigration judges’ tenure compared to federal judges' lifetime appointments.

Day, who has a background in federal government law, is one of many facing challenges in balancing legal responsibilities against political pressures. His dismissal within weeks signals a concern over ideological conformity deemed necessary for sustaining roles in the current judicial climate.