A few numbers worth knowing if you have a hearing in front of Judge McFadden, Anita (IJ code AMF, Santa Ana, CA):
Overall track record
5 years on the bench (since 2022), 2,482 cases total, lifetime grant rate 7.8%
Last 3 years (2023–2026): 2,432 cases, grant rate 7.4% — roughly in line with the Santa Ana court average (9.5%)
Nationality breakdown (2023–2026 cumulative)
Nationality / Cases / Grant rate Mexico 790 3.3% Colombia 335 2.1% Nicaragua 291 4.6% Guatemala 248 0.0% Peru 105 2.1% Venezuela 98 0.0% Honduras 93 2.2% El Salvador 77 5.6% China 75 33.3% India 47 20.5% Romania 45 0.0%
Year-by-year
2023: 299 cases, 24.7% grant rate 2024: 453 cases, 14.1% grant rate 2025: 839 cases, 3.2% grant rate 2026: 841 cases, 1.9% grant rate
If you've appeared before Judge McFadden, I'd love to hear:
1. What's your nationality, and when was your most recent hearing?
2. How did your attorney prepare for this judge specifically?
Source: EOIR (U.S. Executive Office for Immigration Review) public statistics, May 2026 release, compiled by AsylumTracker. A judge's historical pattern does not predict the outcome of any individual case; this is shared to help set realistic expectations. Real-experience accounts from the community are welcome.