Heavy Workload

The nation's 53 immigration courts last year adjudicated more than 350,000 matters, including proceedings, bonds and motions.

Source: Executive Office for Immigration Review, FY 2005 Statistical Year Book

No Shows

Last year, 106,832 illegal immigrants failed to appear at court hearings. Nearly all of those were never detained in the first place or had been detained but then released on bond or recognizance.

• Released aliens: 36%
• Nondetained aliens: 60%

Source: Justice Department

Deciding Factors

The majority of judicial decisions involved orders to remove illegal immigrants from the country.

• Termination: 3.5%
• Relief: 12%
• Removal: 84%
• Other: 5%

Source: Justice Department