Massachusetts Immigration Court Filings: A 2024 Snapshot

Historical information notice: This article preserves the context of its original publication on 08/12/2024. Laws, policies, procedures and fees may have changed. Consult a qualified attorney about current requirements and your circumstances before acting.

The 2024 filing figures

Historical reporting from August 2024 described more than 44,000 new Massachusetts immigration-court filings in the first nine months of FY2024 and a projection approaching 59,000 for the full year. Boston 25 attributed the figures to TRAC. These were filings and a contemporaneous projection, not completed deportations or final full-year totals.

Contemporaneous report, dated 08/12/2024; the article attributes the court data to TRAC and the shelter update to a state spokesperson.

National trends and local capacity

This surge in deportation cases in Massachusetts mirrors a broader national trend, with U.S. immigration courts experiencing a dramatic increase of over 300 percent in deportation filings from fiscal year 2018 to fiscal year 2023. Sarah Sherman-Stokes from the Immigrants’ Rights & Human Trafficking Program at Boston University School of Law has pointed out that the U.S. government's current policy of initiating deportation proceedings for all individuals crossing the border is a policy choice, not an inevitability.

The rising number of deportation cases reflects the growing challenges faced by migrants, many of whom are seeking asylum and other forms of relief due to safety concerns in their home countries. Sherman-Stokes highlighted that the current backlog of over 150,000 cases in Massachusetts immigration courts underscores the prolonged uncertainty that many migrants endure.

Boston 25 also reported in August 2024 that the state issued 57 notices to families at temporary respite centers and that a state spokesperson said 11 families had left by the reported deadline. These historical shelter figures do not describe current capacity, rules or outcomes.

Using historical statistics responsibly

As Massachusetts navigates these challenges, the state's response to the escalating number of deportation cases and the pressure on its shelter system will continue to be closely watched.

Blumsack & Canzano acknowledges the significant rise in deportation cases in Massachusetts and its impact on the legal landscape. The firm observes that the record number of filings reflects broader trends in immigration enforcement and the complexities faced by migrants seeking legal relief. With a notable increase in cases and associated challenges within the state's immigration courts, Blumsack & Canzano is attentive to the implications for its immigration practice and remains focused on adapting its strategies to meet the evolving needs of clients navigating this dynamic environment.

Legal Disclaimer. Originally published: 08/12/2024. This article provides general information only and is not legal advice for any particular matter. Laws, policies, procedures, fees and agency practices may change; their application depends on the facts and jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney about your circumstances before acting on this information. Reading this article or contacting Blumsack & Canzano does not, by itself, create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This material may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions.