Former Immigration Judge Sues Justice Department, Alleging Discrimination and Unlawful Dismissal
A former federal immigration judge has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), alleging she was removed from her position due to political and gender-based discrimination. The complaint, submitted this week in Washington, D.C., marks the latest controversy involving personnel decisions within the nation’s immigration court system.
Tania Nemer, who previously served at the Cleveland Immigration Court, argues that her termination during her probationary period was abrupt and unjustified. Despite what she describes as strong performance evaluations, she says the DOJ provided no formal explanation for her dismissal.
In her lawsuit, Nemer claims the decision was influenced by senior officials in the Trump administration, including former Attorney General Pam Bondi. She asserts she was targeted because she did not align politically with the administration and cites her gender, dual citizenship, and past involvement in Democratic Party politics as reasons she was singled out.
According to the filing, Nemer’s removal occurred alongside the departure of hundreds of other DOJ employees during the same period—many of whom, she alleges, were pushed out over perceived political differences. Her case renews focus on concerns surrounding employment stability for immigration judges, who lack the protections enjoyed by other federal judges.
Before joining the bench in 2023, Nemer built a career as an immigration lawyer in Ohio, working with Catholic Charities as well as in private practice. Legal analysts say her lawsuit could carry broader implications, potentially prompting closer scrutiny of how immigration judges are hired, evaluated, and dismissed.
The legal action seeks accountability and a review of what Nemer describes as discriminatory and retaliatory practices within the DOJ. Observers note that the outcome of the case could help shape future standards for judicial independence and the security of federal court appointments.
