Attorneys practicing in Newark’s immigration court are upset about a return to mandatory in-person hearings after holding proceedings virtually during the pandemic.

The New Jersey chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the collective bargaining unit representing government attorneys who represent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have urged the court’s administration to continue virtual proceedings in all cases. In-person proceedings expose attorneys to health risks because immigration courtrooms at the Peter W. Rodino Federal Office Building in Newark are small and overcrowded when hearings are conducted, the lawyers said.

Jason Scott Camilo, solo attorney, New Brunswick, New Jersey. Courtesy photo.