Kristi Nelson

Chicago (CHI) · Chicago, IL

Kristi Nelson is listed with Chicago (CHI). The database records 132 asylum outcomes: 69 approved, 63 denied, and 0 other outcomes. Historical statistics are informational and cannot predict an individual case.

Decision approval rate52.3%Approved ÷（Approved + Denied）

Approved share of all outcomes52.3%Approved ÷ all outcomes

Asylum decisions13269 / 63 / 0

Approved / denied69 / 63 / 0Database records only

Yearly changes

Yearly asylum decision trend

Applicant origin

Asylum decisions by fiscal year and nationality

Each row shows fiscal year, nationality, valid decisions, and approval rate.

Official appointment record

Judge background and appointment

Appointment dateNovember 2023

Appointed courtChicago Immigration Court

Appointment typeImmigration Judge

Official biography

Kristi Nelson was appointed as an immigration judge to begin hearing cases in November 2023. Judge Nelson earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1992 from the University of Tulsa and a Juris Doctor in 1995 from DePaul University College of Law. From 2016 to 2023, she was a partner at Gair Eberhard Nelson Dedinas Ltd. in Chicago. During this time in 2018, she served as a volunteer attorney for the Dilley Pro Bono Project, where she represented detained noncitizens in Dilley, Texas. From 2006 to 2016, she was a partner at Chen Nelson Roberts Ltd. in Chicago. In 2005, she served as a law clerk for the Honorable Suzanne B. Conlon of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. In addition to her private practice, from 1998 to 2013, she served as pro bono counsel for National Immigrant Justice Center in Chicago where she represented noncitizens before EOIR. From 1999 to 2004, she was an associate and partner with Freeman, Freeman & Salzman PC; from 1997 to 1999, she was a litigation associate with Dickinson Wright PLLC; and from 1995 to 1997, she was a litigation associate at the law firm Rudnick & Wolfe (now DLA Piper), all in Chicago. Judge Nelson is a member of the Illinois State Bar.

Education: Judge Nelson earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1992 from the University of Tulsa and a Juris Doctor in 1995 from DePaul University College of Law.

Bar admission: Judge Nelson is a member of the Illinois State Bar.

EOIR Announces 39 New Immigration Judges (2023-11-07) →

This page shows only verifiable official appointment and biography records. No departure record does not confirm current service; personnel changes are labeled only with reliable sources.

How to read approval rates

Decision approval rateis approved ÷ (approved + denied). Blue “Other” is shown separately and includes identifiable withholding/CAT protection, cancellation or adjustment, voluntary departure, withdrawal, termination, dismissal, and administrative closure; it is excluded from the rate denominator.Approved share of all outcomesuses approved, denied, and other outcomes in the denominator.

With small samples, a few cases can move the percentage sharply. The page flags samples below 50 and below 200 decisions.

View methodology and sources →

Tang Ren Daily organizes public data only and provides no legal conclusion for any individual case.