FAQs

The National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ) was founded in 1971. We are a voluntary organization formed with the objectives of promoting independence, and enhancing the professionalism, dignity and efficiency of the Immigration Court.

The Association provides an avenue for collective input by Immigration Judges on issues that impact the Immigration Court. Many improvements that have occurred over the years are a result of the efforts of the Association in coordination and cooperation with the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge, EOIR, and the Department of Justice. The Association maintains a professional and cordial relationship with OCIJ and EOIR, through communication and a spirit of cooperation. NAIJ meets regularly with the staff of the Chief Judge.

In 1979, the NAIJ was designated as the recognized representative for collective bargaining for all U.S. Immigration Judges. In 2000, we affiliated with the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) in order to be part of a large network of organized professionals who shared our values in improving our careers and the service we provide to the American public. The NAIJ is also known as IFPTE Judicial Council 2. IFPTE is a non-profit, umbrella empoyee based organization, made up of autonomous local affiliates. IFPTE advocates on behalf of more than 80,000 individuals, who work as Social Security Judges, GAO analysts, Library of Congress researchers, NASA scientists, nuclear engineers, architects and accountants.

Our ability to promote and educate the public and legislators regarding our important work, as well as collaborate with management regarding changes that impace our courts, is influenced by our colleagues willing to join. The more who are willing to take on some personal responsibility over their career and work life, the more influence we have as a group in the eyes of DOJ officials and policy makers. As such, the more Judges and Former Judges who are involved, the more it benefits you, as with any professional association or democratically run organization.

All Immigration Judges and Former Immigration Judges are eligible for membership. To join, click the "Join Now" button on this page. 

The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), AFL-CIO & CLC, is a non-profit, umbrella employee based organization, made up of autonomous local affiliates. IFPTE advocates on behalf of more than 80,000 women and men in professional and technicaloccupations. Their members are employed in the private, public and federal sectors. Unique in representing highly educated and skilled women and men, IFPTE combines the strength of collective bargaining with the autonomy and specialization of a professional association. To learn more, visit www.ifpte.org.

The NAIJ affiliated with the IFPTE in 2000. It’s been a good fit, since the IFPTE represents Social Security Judges, DC Administrative Law Judges, lawyers at the Legal Services Corporation, and professionals at the U.S. Congressional Research Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Government Accountability Office, NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. IFPTE has given us invaluable support in training, legal assistance, and advocacy. IFPTE affiliation also affords our members access to various UNION PLUS benefits, such as discounts, insurance programs, mortgage benefits, and scholarships.

The NAIJ’s current constitution was updated and ratified by the members in 2017 and specifically governs NAIJ activities. A copy of the NAIJ Constitution is posted in the Members Only section of this website. The President, Executive Vice President, Secretary-Treasurer, and two Regional Vice Presidents are elected by the membership every two years. They serve as the NAIJ Executive Board and ratify the President’s appointment of a Grievance Chair and Director of Communications. Local Representatives may be active or retired NAIJ members, who are appointed by the President, subject to approval by the Executive Board.

The NAIJ local representative is invited to attend monthly telephonic meetings with NAIJ officers. These meetings allow the NAIJ officers to share information about their activities and information received from OCIJ and EOIR during the month, which the local representatives then pass on to the Judges. These meetings also allow the local representatives to share local problems and discuss possible solutions or recommend action for the officers to pursue. Your local representative is your first point of contact for questions or problems you are experiencing, however all NAIJ officers are willing to discuss any issue at any time. Local representatives are available to be present with you when you have a right to union representation at formal discussions with the Agency about working conditions, or Agency investigatory meetings, as described above. Do not hesitate to raise your concerns about workplace issues with an NAIJ local representative whether or not you are a member, as NAIJ represents all Immigration Judges nationwide.

Feel free to contact any NAIJ officer if you would like to become more involved. We welcome the help and will put your skills to good use.

One of our core missions is to educate the media and public citizens about the our nation’s Immigration Court system. For more information contact us via email.