(NEW HAMPSHIRE) — New England states are taking sharply different approaches to the federal government’s intensified deportation push, with immediate consequences for immigrants who have pending or planned USCIS forms and processing information (Form I-485, Form I-765, Form I-131, Form N-400; fees and processing times; official resources).
As of Friday, January 2, 2026, the region has become a focal point for enforcement activity and policy fights. Several states have expanded “sanctuary protections” that limit local cooperation with federal immigration detainers. New Hampshire has moved in the opposite direction, passing laws that require local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal authorities and ban sanctuary city policies.
Federal officials say the crackdown is aimed at public safety and system integrity. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said on Dec. 26, 2025, that DHS introduced a $3,000 “self-deportation” stipend, and warned that those who do not depart will face arrest and future barriers. DHS and ICE officials also described expanded operations in Massachusetts, including Operation Patriot 2.0, and said enforcement would increase “especially in sanctuary jurisdictions.”
Split New England response, with New Hampshire requiring cooperation
State actions now shape what immigrants can expect during day-to-day encounters with local authorities. This matters even for people who are filing with USCIS, because an arrest or detention can disrupt biometrics, interviews, and evidence deadlines.
- New Hampshire stands out as the most collaborative. Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed HB 511 and SB 62 in 2025. The measures ban sanctuary city policies and require cooperation with ICE by local police agencies.
- Several neighboring states moved to restrict local involvement:
- Maine enacted a law in December 2025 that limits local detention based only on immigration holds.
- Connecticut updated its Trust Act in October 2025 to limit information-sharing by state and municipal employees.
- Rhode Island and Massachusetts have taken steps that reduce police assistance to ICE in certain situations.
- Vermont has kept “fair and impartial policing” policies. Gov. Phil Scott has rejected the sanctuary label while saying the state does not impede federal law.
What this means for USCIS applicants in New England
USCIS benefit requests do not protect you from enforcement by themselves. Still, proper filing and documentation can reduce avoidable risks.
Missing a biometrics appointment or interview due to fear or confusion can lead to a case denial. Always verify your appointment, and reschedule promptly if needed to avoid abandonment.
- DHS reported that by Dec. 10, 2025, removals exceeded 2.5 million, including 1.9 million voluntary self-departures and 622,000 through enforcement operations.
- USCIS issued about 196,600 Notices to Appear (NTAs) in 2025, reflecting broader enforcement coordination.
- Applicants have reported enforcement affecting people with valid work permits. Street operations and courthouse arrests have been reported in parts of Massachusetts. These events can create missed appointments and rushed travel decisions.
⚠️ Common Mistake: Missing biometrics or an interview because of fear or confusion. USCIS can deny a case for missed appointments without rescheduling.
If you have a pending USCIS case, take these steps now
- Confirm your mailing address with USCIS. Use your online account at my.uscis.gov. File a change of address promptly if you move.
- Keep proof of filing on you, when appropriate. Carry copies of receipt notices for active cases.
- Do not travel without checking your document status. Departure can trigger bars or abandonment. This is case-specific.
- Prepare for faster evidence requests. Respond on time to any RFE or NOID. Use tracked mail and keep full copies.
- Get legal advice before accepting “self-deportation” offers. A departure can affect future eligibility, even with a stipend.
✅ Pro Tip: Build a “USCIS folder” with receipts, ID, prior immigration documents, and a list of deadlines. Keep both paper and digital copies.
Create a dedicated USCIS folder with all receipts, IDs, prior documents, and deadlines. Keep both paper and digital copies, and review your case status weekly to catch updates or requests early.
Common forms, fees, and current timing estimates
Fees and processing times vary by category and location. The best practice is to check your form type and office on the USCIS tools.
| Form | Purpose | Fee (as of January 2026)* | Typical Processing (est., as of January 2026)** |
|---|---|---|---|
| Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status | Green card in the U.S. | $1,225 (includes biometrics)* | Often 8–14 months (varies by field office) |
| Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization | Work permit (EAD) | **$410*** | Often 3–7 months |
| Form I-131, Application for Travel Document | Advance parole or travel document | Fee varies by category* | Often 4–12 months |
| Form N-400, Application for Naturalization | U.S. citizenship | **$760*** | Often 8–14 months |
- * Verify fees before filing at uscis.gov/fees. Some applicants may request a fee waiver using Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver, if eligible.
- ** Processing times are estimates, as of January 2026. Check egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. Times vary by service center, field office, and category.
For pending cases: confirm your mailing address in my.uscis.gov, carry receipt notices, and avoid travel before checking status. Respond to any RFEs or NOIDs on time to prevent delays.
💰 Current Fee: Always pay the exact fee listed at uscis.gov/fees. Wrong fees can cause a rejection and loss of time.
⏱️ Processing Time: Use egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/. Select your form and office. Expect delays after RFEs, interviews, or background checks.
Document checklist to reduce delays and missed deadlines
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government-issued photo ID | Usually | Bring to biometrics and interviews |
| USCIS receipt notices | Yes for pending cases | Keep copies of all I-797 notices |
| Passport biographic page | Often | Include entry stamps when requested |
| Proof of current status | Case-specific | I-94, prior approvals, or EAD copies |
| Address history and employment history | Often | Needed for Form N-400 and many others |
| Certified translations | If needed | Any non-English document needs translation |
Practical next steps in New England
Applicants in New Hampshire should expect greater local cooperation with federal authorities. In states with sanctuary protections, local practices can differ by city and agency. USCIS processes benefits under federal law nationwide. Your best protection is a complete filing and strict deadline control.
- Create or log into your USCIS account at my.uscis.gov and confirm all case receipts and notices are present.
- Verify your form edition, filing address, and fee at uscis.gov/forms and uscis.gov/fees before you mail anything.
- Check your form’s current estimate at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ and calendar key deadlines for RFEs and appointments.
📋 Official Resources: Download forms at uscis.gov/forms. Check processing times at egov.uscis.gov/processing-times. Fees and processing times are subject to change—always verify current information at uscis.gov.
New England states are adopting conflicting immigration policies. New Hampshire now requires full cooperation with federal agents, whereas neighboring states maintain sanctuary protections. Amid a federal crackdown involving a $3,000 self-deportation offer, USCIS applicants face increased risks. Experts advise applicants to keep meticulous records, update addresses immediately, and seek legal counsel, as enforcement actions can lead to missed deadlines and automatic case denials.
