Michael C. Engel

Elizabeth (ELZ) · Elizabeth, NJ

Michael C. Engel is listed with Elizabeth (ELZ). The database records 65 asylum outcomes: 3 approved, 62 denied, and 0 other outcomes. Historical statistics are informational and cannot predict an individual case.

Decision approval rate4.6%Approved ÷（Approved + Denied）

Approved share of all outcomes4.6%Approved ÷ all outcomes

Asylum decisions653 / 62 / 0

Approved / denied3 / 62 / 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 dateFebruary 2026

Appointed courtHyattsville Immigration Court

Appointment typeTemporary Immigration Judge

Official biography

Michael C. Engel was appointed as a temporary immigration judge to begin hearing cases in February 2026. Judge Engel earned a Bachelor of Science in 1992 from Missouri State University, a Master of Business Administration in 2017 from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and a Juris Doctor in 1999 from Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America. From 2002 to January 2026, he served at the Federal Communications Commission, and in the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General's Corps. He holds the rank of colonel. Judge Engel is a member of the New York State Bar and the District of Columbia Bar.

Education: Judge Engel earned a Bachelor of Science in 1992 from Missouri State University, a Master of Business Administration in 2017 from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and a Juris Doctor in 1999 from Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America.

Bar admission: Judge Engel is a member of the New York State Bar and the District of Columbia Bar.

EOIR Announces 6 Immigration Judges and 27 Temporary Immigration Judges (2026-02-05) →

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.