Increase in illegal immigration cases exacerbates interpreter shortage

A shortage of certified court interpreters in Maryland is worsening as local law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on illegal immigration, say court officials and immigration lawyers.

“There have been a lot more enforcement and a lot more cases,” said Mary Barone, an immigration lawyer serving Montgomery, Frederick, Washington and Carroll counties. “In addition, because of 9/11, there’s been a lot of litigation regarding delayed approval of naturalization cases.”