Language Access in Immigration Court: Guatemalan Indigenous Languages

The number of immigrants[1] in the United States who has court hearings with Executive Office Immigration Review ("immigration court") increased, resulting a backlog. As immigration judges (I.J.s) determine whether an immigrant is removable and/or will be permitted to stay States, due process requires interpreter immigrant’s best language.
 A pressing issue courts across nation face providing interpreters for indigenous languages. For Guatemalan language speakers, this particularly important because languages recognized by government and Guatemalans have court. immigrants whose increasing. Despite increase, it difficult find interpreters.
 This paper examines lack languages, rise need interpreters, provides overview court’s obligation provide immigrants. concludes arguing that Department Justice develop plan there are sufficient speakers.
 
 [1] I use “immigrant” refer any foreign-born non-U.S. citizen or national. term specific meaning law, but purposes social science, “nonimmigrant” may considered immigrant. See Loue (2003).