Faculty and Staff
Elizabeth A. Hacker
Lecturer in Law
E-Mail: ElizabethHacker1066@gmail.com
Elizabeth A. Hacker is the senior United States immigration judge for the U.S. Immigration court having jurisdiction over Michigan, Ohio and northern Kentucky. Judge Hacker was appointed to the position of immigration judge in July of 1995 to re-establish an immigration court in Michigan. Since her appointment, the immigration court has expanded to include jurisdiction over immigration proceedings in Ohio and northern Kentucky. The court has been expanded to three immigration judges.
Judge Hacker is a graduate of Wayne State University and Detroit College of Law. Following graduation from law school, Judge Hacker was an associate with the firm of Peterson, Hay and Seay in Mt. Clemens, Michigan. The firm was a general practice firm with emphasis on the law of municipal corporations.
Judge Hacker joined the Immigration & Naturalization Service in 1980 in Detroit, Michigan. She has held numerous positions within the Immigration & Naturalization Service including naturalization attorney, trial attorney, as well as, chief attorney for three immigration districts including Los Angeles. Judge Hacker was for special assignment to the Department of Justice civil divisions immigration appellate section for a one year appointment. During this time, she handled numerous cases in the third, fourth and ninth circuit courts of appeal. In addition, Judge Hacker assisted on several class actions involving detention of Cuban nationals, issues of pursuit and other law enforcement activities. Prior to returning to the Michigan area, Judge Hacker served as assistant regional counsel for the western region of the Immigration and Naturalization Service.
While affiliated with the Immigration Service Judge Hacker acted as an instructor at both of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Academies. She taught subjects including the law of arrest, search and seizure, employer sanctions and general immigration law. As an attorney, Judge Hacker has had broad experience in litigation in the federal sector, as well as, in the immigration court arena.