USCIS Tightens Policy, Putting Millions at Risk of Deportation

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has updated its policy manual to suggest that undocumented immigrants pursuing family-based legal status could still face deportation proceedings. This new section enables USCIS to issue immigration court orders for individuals seeking legal status through a family member. The Trump administration's aim is to deport millions, and this policy shift indicates a stricter enforcement approach even for those attempting to legalize their status. The updated policy, effective immediately, includes a "Removable Aliens" paragraph, outlining that a Notice to Appear (NTA) for a court hearing can be issued if an immigrant is deemed deportable. While challenging such a ruling is possible, it can take many months, often after years of waiting to adjust their status.