Key Takeaways
• USCIS issued over 26,700 removal proceedings since February 28, 2025, under new NTA guidance.
• New policy mandates NTAs for criminal offenses and proven fraud on immigration applications.
• Policy mirrors 2018 Trump-era approach, increasing immigration enforcement and court system strain.
As of June 12, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has started removal proceedings against more than 26,700 noncitizens since February. This sharp increase follows new guidance issued by USCIS on February 28, 2025, which directs officers to issue Notices to Appear (NTAs) in a wider range of cases. The move marks a return to stricter immigration enforcement, similar to policies first put in place during President Trump’s administration in 2018. The new policy has major effects for immigrants, families, legal professionals, and the already crowded immigration court system.
What Changed: New USCIS Policy on Removal Proceedings
The updated guidance from USCIS, released on February 28, 2025, tells officers to issue NTAs in more situations than before. An NTA is a formal document that starts removal proceedings, which means the government is trying to deport someone from the United States 🇺🇸. The new rules focus on two main areas:
- Criminal Offenses: If a noncitizen has been arrested, charged with, or convicted of a crime and their immigration application is denied or withdrawn, USCIS will usually issue an NTA. In some cases, USCIS may refer the case to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) instead of issuing an NTA directly.
- Fraud or Misrepresentation: If there is proven fraud or someone lied on their application, USCIS will issue an NTA—even if the application was denied for other reasons, like being abandoned or withdrawn.
These changes mean that more people applying for immigration benefits could face removal proceedings if their applications are denied for these reasons.
Why the Policy Changed: Background and Political Context
The new guidance closely follows the June 2018 NTA policy from President Trump’s administration. That earlier policy expanded the types of cases where USCIS would issue NTAs, moving away from a more limited approach. The 2025 update signals a return to tougher enforcement, reflecting ongoing debates about immigration reform and border security in the United States 🇺🇸.
Supporters of the policy say it is needed to enforce immigration laws and protect national security. They argue that people who commit crimes or lie on their applications should not be allowed to stay in the country. Critics, including many immigration advocates, warn that the policy will hurt vulnerable groups, separate families, and make the immigration system even more difficult to manage.
How the New Policy Works: Step-by-Step Process
To understand how these changes affect people, it helps to look at the steps involved:
- Application Review: A person applies for an immigration benefit, such as a green card or work permit. USCIS reviews the application and checks for any criminal history or signs of fraud.
- Denial and NTA Issuance: If the application is denied because of a criminal offense or fraud, USCIS will issue a Notice to Appear (NTA). This document tells the person they are being placed in removal proceedings and must appear before an immigration judge.
- Referral to ICE: In some cases, instead of issuing an NTA, USCIS may refer the case to ICE, which can also start removal proceedings.
4. Removal Proceedings: The person must go to immigration court, where a judge will decide if they can stay in the United States 🇺🇸 or must leave.
Key Point: Once an NTA is issued, the person is officially in removal proceedings and faces possible deportation.
What Is a Notice to Appear (NTA)?
A Notice to Appear is a legal document that starts the removal process. It lists the reasons why the government believes someone should be removed from the United States 🇺🇸. The NTA tells the person when and where to appear in immigration court. If the person does not show up, the judge can order them removed “in absentia,” which means without them being present.
You can find more information about NTAs and the removal process on the USCIS official website.
Who Is Affected by the New Policy?
The new policy affects several groups of people:
- Applicants with Criminal Records: Anyone with an arrest, charge, or conviction who applies for an immigration benefit and is denied could be placed in removal proceedings.
- Applicants Accused of Fraud: People who are found to have lied or given false information on their applications are at risk, even if their application is denied for other reasons.
- Families and Communities: When individuals are placed in removal proceedings, their families and communities may face separation and uncertainty.
- Legal Professionals: Immigration lawyers will see more clients needing help with removal proceedings, making their work more complex.
Impact on the Immigration Court System
One of the biggest effects of the new policy is the expected increase in cases for immigration courts. As reported by VisaVerge.com, experts warn that the policy will add to the already large backlog of cases. Immigration courts are already struggling with long wait times, and more NTAs will likely make the problem worse.
- More Cases: Over 26,700 new removal proceedings have started since February 2025, and the number is expected to grow.
- Longer Waits: People in removal proceedings may have to wait months or even years for a court date.
- Strain on Resources: Judges, lawyers, and court staff will face more pressure to handle the growing number of cases.
Legal and Social Implications
The new policy has serious legal and social effects for those involved:
- Legal Challenges: People placed in removal proceedings must defend themselves in court. Many will need to hire lawyers, which can be expensive and stressful.
- Risk of Deportation: If the judge decides against them, individuals can be ordered to leave the United States 🇺🇸, sometimes with little time to prepare.
- Family Separation: Deportation can separate parents from children, spouses from each other, and break up families who have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for years.
- Fear and Uncertainty: The threat of removal can cause fear and anxiety, making it harder for people to plan for their future.
Perspectives from Different Stakeholders
Immigration Advocates
Many advocacy groups argue that the policy is too harsh and targets people who may have made minor mistakes or who are trying to build better lives. They point out that:
- Some people may have old or minor criminal records that do not make them a danger to society.
- Accusations of fraud or misrepresentation can sometimes be the result of honest mistakes or misunderstandings.
- The policy could discourage people from applying for benefits they are eligible for, out of fear of being placed in removal proceedings.
Law Enforcement and Immigration Officials
Supporters of the policy, including some law enforcement and immigration officials, say it is necessary to:
- Enforce immigration laws fairly and consistently.
- Protect the public by removing people who have committed crimes or lied on their applications.
- Deter fraud and abuse of the immigration system.
Legal Professionals
Immigration lawyers and legal aid groups are preparing for an increase in clients needing help with removal proceedings. They warn that:
- The legal process is complicated, and many people do not understand their rights or options.
- More people will need legal representation, but not everyone can afford it.
- The backlog in immigration courts will make it harder for everyone to get a fair and timely hearing.
Historical Context: How Did We Get Here?
The current policy is not new. It is based on the June 2018 NTA Guidance from President Trump’s administration, which expanded the use of NTAs in immigration cases. Before 2018, USCIS only issued NTAs in a limited set of cases, such as when someone was denied asylum or had a serious criminal conviction.
The 2018 policy made it easier for USCIS to issue NTAs in more situations, including when someone’s application was denied for reasons like fraud or certain criminal offenses. The 2025 update brings back these stricter rules, showing a shift toward tougher immigration enforcement.
What Happens Next? Future Outlook
Looking ahead, several things could happen:
- More Policy Changes: The government may adjust the policy again, depending on political changes or court decisions.
- Legal Challenges: Advocacy groups or individuals may challenge the policy in court, arguing that it is unfair or violates people’s rights.
- Pressure on Courts: The immigration court system will likely face even more pressure as the number of removal proceedings grows.
- Impact on Applications: Some people may decide not to apply for immigration benefits, fearing that a denial could lead to removal proceedings.
What Should Affected Individuals Do?
If you are applying for an immigration benefit or are already in the process, it is important to:
- Be Honest: Always provide truthful and complete information on your application.
- Check Your Record: Know if you have any criminal history or past immigration issues that could affect your case.
- Seek Legal Help: If you are worried about being placed in removal proceedings, talk to a qualified immigration lawyer. They can help you understand your options and prepare your case.
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with changes in immigration policy by checking official sources like the USCIS newsroom.
Practical Guidance for Navigating Removal Proceedings
If you receive a Notice to Appear, here are some steps you should take:
- Read the NTA Carefully: Make sure you understand the charges against you and the date of your court hearing.
- Find Legal Representation: Contact an immigration lawyer or a legal aid organization as soon as possible. They can help you prepare your defense.
- Gather Documents: Collect any documents that support your case, such as proof of family ties, work history, or evidence that you meet the requirements for relief from removal.
- Attend All Hearings: Missing a court date can result in an automatic order of removal.
- Explore Relief Options: Ask your lawyer about possible forms of relief, such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or adjustment of status.
Where to Find More Information
For more details about the removal process, NTAs, and your rights, visit the USCIS official website. The site has up-to-date information on policies, forms, and procedures. You can also find the latest news releases and policy documents there.
If you need to access specific immigration forms, such as the Notice to Appear (Form I-862), you can find them on the USCIS Forms page. Always use the official government website to make sure you have the most current version of any form.
Conclusion: What This Means for Immigrants and the U.S. Immigration System
The new USCIS policy on removal proceedings marks a significant shift in how immigration laws are enforced in the United States 🇺🇸. With over 26,700 removal proceedings started since February 2025, the effects are already being felt by immigrants, families, legal professionals, and the court system. While supporters see the policy as a way to strengthen the rule of law, critics warn of increased hardship and family separation.
Anyone affected by these changes should seek legal advice, stay informed, and prepare for possible removal proceedings. As the situation continues to develop, keeping up with official updates and understanding your rights will be more important than ever.
For authoritative analysis and ongoing coverage of U.S. immigration policy, VisaVerge.com reports that the current trend points to stricter enforcement and more people facing removal proceedings. Staying informed and prepared is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones during these uncertain times.
Learn Today
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency managing immigration benefits and enforcement.
Removal Proceedings → Legal process where a noncitizen may be deported from the United States.
Notice to Appear (NTA) → Document initiating removal proceedings requiring presence before an immigration judge.
Fraud or Misrepresentation → Providing false information on immigration applications, triggering removal action.
Immigration Court → Judicial body that hears cases regarding removal and immigration status decisions.
This Article in a Nutshell
USCIS launched stricter removal proceedings June 2025, issuing NTAs broadly for crimes and fraud. Over 26,700 cases started, signaling increased enforcement and heightened challenges for immigrants and courts nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
