Recent Policy Changes from the Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security is poised to release a new policy memo with significant implications for immigrants and asylum seekers:
ICE Detention Authority Expansion
ICE will be able to detain refugees who have failed to adjust status to that of lawful permanent residence.
Employment Authorization Delays
- Asylum seekers who were once able to apply for employment authorization 180 days after filing their application for asylum would instead have to wait 365 days before being eligible for employment authorization
- Those who enter without inspection (enter the United States without inspection) would no longer be eligible for employment authorization while their application for asylum is pending
The Shifting Mission of USCIS
Did you notice that immigration has purposefully become complicated? United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has shifted from its initial purpose and mission of adjudicating immigration benefits to that of becoming an enforcement arm of the Department of Homeland Security supporting ICE in its deportation operation. Policies are now in place to offer you incentives to self deport.
Denaturalization: A Growing Priority
Likely to become another top priority for the administration is denaturalizing persons who were accorded citizenship. Some have said that the current administration wants as little legal immigration as possible.
Current State of Immigration Process
The process has become more expensive, slower and difficult. Did you know that after tax law, immigration laws are considered the most complex?
My Recommendations
Therefore, my recommendation to you is to:
- Work with a licensed attorney and find out what specific experience your attorney has in processing your specific application
- Put quality – your strongest evidence on top of any application you submit to USCIS, making the process of reviewing your application the easiest
Please contact us if we can be of assistance to you at the Prince Firm.