A few numbers worth knowing if you have a hearing in front of Judge Polivka, James F. (IJ code JFP, Dallas, TX):
Overall track record
4 years on the bench (since 2023), 5,015 cases total, lifetime grant rate 1.6%
Last 3 years (2023–2026): 5,014 cases, grant rate 1.6% — roughly in line with the Dallas court average (1.5%)
Nationality breakdown (2023–2026 cumulative)
Nationality / Cases / Grant rate Mexico 1217 0.2% Venezuela 968 1.2% Honduras 849 0.0% Cuba 506 3.6% Guatemala 426 0.0% El Salvador 228 0.9% Colombia 175 0.0% Nicaragua 149 0.0% Russia 98 35.1% Ecuador 46 0.0% Georgia 38 2.7%
Year-by-year
2023: 196 cases, 11.1% grant rate 2024: 233 cases, 7.5% grant rate 2025: 1332 cases, 2.5% grant rate 2026: 3253 cases, 0.2% grant rate
If you've appeared before Judge Polivka, 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.