New Trump Policy: Immigration Denials will Trigger Deportation !!!

Trump Policies

New USCIS Immigration Policy Updates

In a significant shift in immigration enforcement, a new policy memo issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) last month is now actively being implemented — and it could have serious consequences if your immigration application is denied while you are in the United States. This new directive establishes that if your application for a change of status is rejected, and you consequently lose your lawful status, USCIS will now initiate formal removal (deportation) proceedings against you by issuing a Notice to Appear (NTA) in immigration court.

Who Is Affected by This New Policy?

This policy impacts a broad range of individuals who apply for immigration benefits within the United States, especially those seeking to change their status from one visa category to another. This includes:

  • Tourists applying to change status to student visas
  • Students applying for work visas
  • Individuals applying for marriage-based green cards
  • Applicants seeking to remove conditions on their permanent resident status
  • And, in certain cases, applicants for citizenship

What Does This Policy Mean in Practice?

Prior to this memo, only U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents could issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) — the legal document that starts deportation proceedings. Now, USCIS itself, the agency responsible for processing applications like Form I-539 (change or extension of status), Form I-130 (family-based petitions), and Form I-751 (removal of conditions), can issue NTAs when it denies your application.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Application Filed: You apply to change or extend your immigration status inside the U.S.
  2. USCIS Review: USCIS reviews your case.
  3. Denial & NTA Issued: If your application is denied, USCIS will no longer just send a denial letter. They will also issue a Notice to Appear, beginning formal deportation proceedings.
  4. Removal Proceedings: You must appear in immigration court on the scheduled date. This initiates a series of hearings, where an immigration judge will decide your fate — whether you can stay or must leave the country.

This is a considerable expansion of USCIS’s enforcement powers, reflecting a more aggressive stance under the current administration.

Real-Life Examples and Impact

We are already seeing cases where this policy is being enforced:

  • Tourist to Student Visa Denial: One individual who applied to change status from a tourist visa to a student visa was denied. Despite having applied before the memo was issued, the decision came after the policy took effect, resulting in a Notice to Appear and placement into removal proceedings. If ICE apprehends that person, detention is also a possibility.
  • Denial of Removal of Conditions: Another person had their Form I-751 (to remove conditions on a green card) denied. Under previous administrations, this might have taken months or sometimes no deportation action at all, but now the Notice to Appear was issued quickly.

What Applications Are Currently Excluded?

Applications based on employment (such as Form I-140 petitions) are not currently included in this policy. If your employment-based case is denied, you still have the opportunity to refile without immediate threat of removal proceedings.

Criminal Records and Immigration Denials

If you have any criminal convictions or issues in your background, this new policy could affect you even more severely. USCIS will refer such cases to ICE for removal proceedings if your application is denied.

Additionally, marriage-based green card applications denied due to findings of fraud or misrepresentation will now more likely lead to deportation, rather than simply allowing refiling as was sometimes possible before.

Citizenship Applications and Removal Proceedings

If USCIS determines during your naturalization process that you had grounds for removability before applying (for example, undisclosed criminal issues), and denies your citizenship application, you could also be placed in removal proceedings immediately after your citizenship interview.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

  • Think Carefully Before Filing: Applying for a change of status or any immigration benefit now carries the risk that a denial could lead directly to deportation proceedings.
  • Consult an Experienced Immigration Attorney: Before submitting your application, especially if you have a complex history or any criminal background, get a professional legal evaluation to assess your chances and risks.
  • Maintain Valid Status: If you are changing status, ensure you have sufficient lawful status (e.g., valid I-94) while your application is pending.
  • Beware of Fraud Findings: Be truthful and thorough. Fraud or misrepresentation in your application can fast-track removal proceedings.
  • Monitor Policy Updates: This is a developing area of immigration law. Stay informed and cautious.

Need Legal Help?

If you are worried about your case being denied or facing removal proceedings, do not hesitate to reach out for professional assistance. Our experienced immigration team is here to guide you through these complicated changes and protect your rights.

Contact us today:
🌐 Visit: www.usimmigrationtalk.com

We offer personalized consultations to assess your situation and provide you with the best options for moving forward safely and effectively.

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