Newark Immigration System Sets up Video to Avoid In-Person Appearances

The New Jersey chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association asked a federal judge to close the Newark Immigration court until it could offer remote hearings by video for the rest of the pandemic.

The justice department said it set up a video system last month. But at a hearing before a federal judge on Thursday, the plaintiff's attorney said the rules weren't clear. He said one lawyer tested positive for COVID-19 two days after sharing his office with a client to use the video system.

Judge John Michael Vasquez scolded him for providing no proof the attorney got the virus from his client, and also said he didn't have to share his small, poorly ventilated office with the client. The judge said the plaintiffs are getting everything they wanted now that the justice department put out new guidance for attorneys and clients to use the video system from separate locations.

The two sides could settle the case. The judge is considering the government's argument that the case by the immigration lawyers association is now moot.

There are still no in-person hearings at the busier New York City immigration court.