A few numbers worth knowing if you have a hearing in front of Judge Johnson, Kelly S. (IJ code KJN, Memphis, TN):
Overall track record
16 years on the bench (since 2011), 5,610 cases total, lifetime grant rate 3.9%
Last 3 years (2023–2026): 3,736 cases, grant rate 3.3% — roughly in line with the Memphis court average (2.9%)
Nationality breakdown (2023–2026 cumulative)
Nationality / Cases / Grant rate Cuba 1146 4.8% Mexico 771 2.6% Guatemala 640 0.9% Honduras 321 2.2% Venezuela 170 2.6% Nicaragua 132 0.0% El Salvador 78 3.1% Colombia 71 3.1% India 69 1.6% Haiti 43 0.0% Senegal 34 3.0%
Year-by-year
2023: 303 cases, 21.1% grant rate 2024: 548 cases, 3.8% grant rate 2025: 1863 cases, 2.1% grant rate 2026: 1022 cases, 1.1% grant rate
If you've appeared before Judge Johnson, 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.