Trump DOJ Fires NY Immigration Judge with 97% Asylum Approval Rate

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Trump administration has fired New York immigration Judge Vivienne Gordon-Uruakpa, who had the highest asylum approval rate in the state at 97%. The 66-year-old judge, known for her soft-on-asylum rulings, was terminated in September as part of a broader purge of lenient judges under Attorney General Pam Bondi.

Why it matters

The firing of Judge Gordon-Uruakpa is part of the Trump administration's broader efforts to reshape the immigration court system by removing judges seen as too lenient on asylum claims. This is part of the administration's push to curb illegal immigration by making it harder for migrants to gain asylum in the U.S.

The details

Unlike lifetime-appointed federal judges, immigration court judges serve at the pleasure of the Attorney General and can be hired or fired. The Trump team is using this power to remove judges like Gordon-Uruakpa, who approved asylum claims at a rate far exceeding her colleagues. The administration has axed more than 100 overly permissive immigration judges during Trump's term, while promoting tougher judges who deny asylum at high rates.

• Gordon-Uruakpa was terminated in September 2025.
• John Burns, a judge known for denying asylum at high rates, was named Acting Assistant Chief Judge in January 2026.

What’s next

The Trump administration is expected to continue its efforts to reshape the immigration court system by removing judges seen as too lenient on asylum claims.