In an official press release dated November 13, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security outlined sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy under the Trump administration. The statement, titled “DHS Strengthens Integrity in Nation’s Immigration System, Returns to Commonsense Legal Immigration Levels,” included a striking quote from USCIS Spokesman Matthew Tragesser that has drawn significant attention from applicants, attorneys, and advocacy groups.
Tragesser stated: “The distinction between legal and illegal immigration becomes meaningless when both can destroy a country at its foundation. Unchecked mass migration floods the American labor market, depressing wages and taking jobs away from hardworking Americans, while straining healthcare, education, and housing systems.”
The statement went on to say that “the Trump administration continues to execute policies to ensure legal immigration advances American interests first and only the most deserving attain the privilege of U.S. citizenship.”
For applicants and attorneys, this official language signals a significant policy shift. The statement frames both legal and illegal immigration as potential threats to U.S. interests—a departure from prior administrations that emphasized distinctions between lawful and unlawful pathways.
Key policy changes announced by USCIS
The November 13 press release detailed multiple policy changes implemented since January 20, 2025:
- TPS terminations: Secretary Noem ended Temporary Protected Status for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Nepal, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Venezuela (2023 extension and 2021 designation), Syria, and South Sudan.
- Parole program closures: USCIS terminated categorical parole programs including the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan (CHNV) parole program. Parole requests are now considered strictly on a case-by-case basis.
- Enforcement referrals: Since January 20, 2025, USCIS has referred almost 3,200 individuals with orders of removal, active warrants, and other criminal indicators to ICE, resulting in nearly 2,000 apprehensions at USCIS facilities.
- Notices to Appear: USCIS has issued more than 172,000 NTAs since February 2025.
- H-1B fee increase: Under a Presidential Proclamation effective September 21, 2025, H-1B petitions must be accompanied by an additional $100,000 payment as a condition of eligibility.
If you currently hold TPS from one of the terminated countries, consult an immigration attorney immediately to explore alternative relief options before your status expires.
Screening and vetting changes
The press release highlighted enhanced screening protocols that directly affect pending applications:
- Social media reviews: USCIS is reviewing aliens’ social media and other statements for “anti-American ideologies.” In FY25, USCIS completed 12,502 individual social media checks.
- Fraud investigations: Operation Twin Shield, described as the largest fraud investigation in agency history, uncovered marriage fraud, H-1B and student visa abuse in the Minneapolis area.
- ICE referrals: USCIS has made 13,225 referrals to ICE for fraud, public safety, and national security concerns, including 320 for confirmed or suspected foreign terrorist organization gang members.
Naturalization process changes
USCIS announced several changes to naturalization eligibility and testing:
- A revised civics test with additional questions launched in October 2025.
- Good moral character assessments now look for “positive contributions” rather than merely the absence of bad behavior.
- Neighborhood investigations have been restored to verify residency, moral character, and loyalty claims.
⚠️ For N-400 Applicants: Prepare for potentially more intensive background checks and interview questions. Document positive community involvement and civic participation.
Employment authorization changes
DHS announced an interim final rule ending the practice of automatically extending employment authorization documents (EADs) for aliens filing renewal applications in certain categories. This means:
- EAD renewal applicants may face gaps in work authorization.
- Applicants should file renewals as early as possible (up to 180 days before expiration).
- Employers may need to reverify work authorization more frequently.
Who is affected and what to do next
The policy changes affect multiple categories of applicants:
- TPS holders from terminated countries should consult an attorney about alternative relief options.
- CHNV parole beneficiaries who entered under now-terminated programs should understand their status timeline.
- H-1B petitioners must account for the additional $100,000 fee requirement.
- EAD applicants should file renewals early and maintain documentation of work authorization.
- Naturalization applicants should prepare for enhanced vetting, including social media reviews and neighborhood investigations.
Form fees and processing considerations
Key forms affected by these policy changes:
| Form | Purpose | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form I-485 | Adjustment of Status | $1,225 | Enhanced vetting may extend processing times |
| Form I-765 | Employment Authorization | $410 | Auto-extension rule changes may cause gaps |
| Form N-400 | Naturalization | $760 | New civics test and neighborhood investigations |
| Form I-821 | TPS Application | Varies | Program terminated for 10 countries |
| Form I-129 (H-1B) | H-1B Petition | Base + $100,000 | Additional fee required since September 2025 |
Verify all current fees at uscis.gov/fees before filing. Fee amounts change periodically, and submitting the wrong fee can result in rejection.
Practical next steps for applicants
- Review your immigration status and determine if any of the terminated programs affect you.
- Consult with an immigration attorney if you hold TPS from a terminated country or entered under CHNV parole.
- File EAD renewals as early as possible given the end of automatic extensions.
- Prepare for enhanced vetting by reviewing your social media presence and gathering documentation of community involvement.
- Track your case at my.uscis.gov and monitor processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.
📋 Official Resources: Read the full USCIS press release at uscis.gov/newsroom. Download forms at uscis.gov/forms. Check processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times.
In an official November 13, 2025 press release, USCIS Spokesman Matthew Tragesser stated that “the distinction between legal and illegal immigration becomes meaningless when both can destroy a country at its foundation.” This statement accompanied announcements of TPS terminations for 10 countries, closure of the CHNV parole program, over 172,000 Notices to Appear issued, and a $100,000 additional fee requirement for H-1B petitions. Applicants should consult attorneys, file renewals early, and prepare for enhanced screening including social media reviews and neighborhood investigations for naturalization.
