J. Michelle Childs

Judge, US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit

Appears in 1 story

Office: Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit

Born: March 24, 1966, Detroit

Education: University of South Florida, University of South Carolina School of Law, Duke University School of Law

Last updated Nov 2, 2026

Stories

Trump's border asylum suspension faces escalating court challenges

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Authored majority opinion blocking the proclamation

For 45 years, the Refugee Act of 1980 has guaranteed that anyone reaching US soil—however they got there—can ask for asylum. On the first day of his second term, President Trump signed a proclamation declaring an 'invasion' at the southern border and suspending that right. A federal appeals court just ruled he cannot.

Updated May 31