What type of decision is an IJ allowed to make?

An Immigration Judge (IJ) is specifically authorized to make decisions related to asylum applications. This includes adjudicating claims made by individuals who seek protection in the United States due to fear of persecution in their home countries. The IJ conducts hearings where they examine evidence, listen to testimonies, and make determinations about whether an applicant qualifies for asylum based on the criteria set forth in immigration law.

Asylum cases involve a legal analysis of the applicant's circumstances and the potential risks they face if returned to their country. Therefore, the authority to decide these cases is a crucial part of the IJ's responsibilities within the U.S. immigration system.

In contrast, IJs do not have jurisdiction over criminal trials, which fall under the purview of the criminal justice system. Immigration fee waivers are typically handled by USCIS rather than by an IJ, and family reunification cases usually involve processes that do not require the judicial oversight of an Immigration Judge. This delineation of responsibilities helps ensure that each type of case is addressed within the appropriate legal framework.