Honolulu immigration judges increase in-person hearing requirements

New judges at the Honolulu immigration court have significantly increased the requirement for in-person appearances, moving away from virtual hearings. This shift has forced immigrants and their attorneys to travel to Oʻahu for hearings at least four times more often than previously required.

Data from the Executive Office for Immigration Review indicates that in July and August, 87% of immigrants from neighbor islands with court proceedings had to travel to Oʻahu for at least one in-person hearing, a sharp increase from less than one-third during the same period last year. The impact is even more pronounced for those living out of state; for example, 18 people with out-of-state addresses were required to appear in person in July and August, compared to only one during the previous year.

Advocates note that these changes impose heavy financial burdens on low-income individuals, who must now cover airfare, accommodations, and childcare, while also potentially missing work. Failure to appear at these hearings can result in in-absentia decisions, which often lead to automatic removal orders for those seeking asylum or green cards.