Pittsburgh’s immigration court closed, making it harder for undocumented people to become citizens

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh’s immigration court on the South Side is now closed as of last Friday, and for many undocumented people here in western Pennsylvania and West Virginia, this is now a roadblock in the path for them to become citizens.

Immigration attorney Joseph Patrick Murphy says, “This is the first time since the 60s that we are going to be without an immigration court.”

Murphy says ending the hearings at this office on the south side could have major consequences. Homeland Security announced the decision last week, blaming staffing and space issues.

Prince Andy is from Liberia. For him and others seeking citizenship, this may mean having to go to Philadelphia if they don’t have the right technology for a video call. He’s worried this will further delay the already long process.

”I’ve been on this journey for at least a couple of years now, so at some point in time it can appear to be almost like an unending journey.”

The Pittsburgh court also served half of West Virginia.

Murphy fears this could lead to more people being deported simply because they can’t get to Philadephia.

”What was happening back in the day was that people didn’t want to go to Philadelphia. They would end up missing court dates and getting deported, so they put up a satellite court here in Pittsburgh.”

Murphy says the city of Pittsburgh needs to step up to help people who are legally trying to become citizens.

”Pittsburgh is and has been an immigration magnet for hundreds of years. People come here from all over the world.”

Castle Shannon police testing new body camera technology that categorizes content

©2022 Cox Media Group