“A senior Justice Department official
is arguing that 3- and 4-year-olds can learn immigration law well enough to
represent themselves in court, staking out an unconventional position in a
growing debate over whether immigrant children facing deportation are entitled
to taxpayer-funded attorneys.
Jack Weil, a longtime immigration
judge who is responsible for training other judges, made the assertion in sworn
testimony in a deposition in federal court in Seattle. His comments highlighted
the plight of thousands of juveniles who are forced to defend themselves each
year in immigration court amid the surge of children crossing the southwest
border from Central America.
“I’ve taught immigration law literally to 3-year-olds and 4-year-olds,’’ Weil
said. “It takes a lot of time. It takes a lot of patience. They get it. It’s
not the most efficient, but it can be done.’’
He repeated his claim twice in the
deposition, also saying, “I’ve told you I have trained 3-year-olds and
4-year-olds in immigration law,’’ according to a transcript. “You can do a fair
hearing. It’s going to take you a lot of time.’’
Legal and child psychology experts
ridiculed Weil’s assertions, noting that key milestones for 3- and 4-year-olds
include cooperating with other children, saying simple sentences and building
towers of blocks.”
Guess who are the morons paying this judge's salary.
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