# Plain Language Summary of H.R. 44

This bill would centralize all immigration court cases in one place: the federal district court in Washington, D.C. Right now, immigration cases can be heard in federal courts across the country, depending on where the person lives or where the case originates. This bill would change that by giving the D.C. court exclusive jurisdiction—meaning it would be the only court allowed to handle any case related to immigration law, including cases where foreign nationals challenge their removal (deportation) from the United States.

The practical effect would be significant. Instead of someone in California fighting a deportation order in a California federal court, or someone in Texas doing so in a Texas court, every single immigration case would have to go through the D.C. court system. This would apply to all immigration-related lawsuits, not just deportation challenges, but also cases involving visa denials, asylum claims, and other matters governed by immigration law.

This change would likely create major bottlenecks. The D.C. court would be overwhelmed with cases from across the entire country, potentially causing massive delays for people waiting for their cases to be heard. It would also be inconvenient for immigrants, their lawyers, and witnesses who would need to travel to Washington or participate in proceedings there. The bill doesn't explain how the D.C. court would handle this enormous increase in caseload or what resources it would receive to do so. Supporters might argue this creates consistency in how immigration law is applied nationwide, while critics would likely point out that centralizing everything in one court could make the system slower and less accessible to ordinary people fighting immigration decisions.

To amend title 28, United States Code, to provide that the United States district court for the District of Columbia shall have exclusive jurisdiction over actions arising under the immigration laws, and for other purposes.

Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5]

 <p>This bill grants exclusive jurisdiction to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia over (1) cases arising under immigration laws, or (2) claims by foreign nationals challenging an order of removal or another action authorized under the Immigration and Nationality Act. </p>