Immigration policies are shifting rapidly, and several changes announced this week could directly affect millions of immigrants — especially those who are currently in the process of applying for benefits or considering starting an immigration case.
If you or someone you know is planning to adjust status, apply for a visa, or already has a pending immigration case, these updates are crucial.
1. New USCIS Policy for Family Petitions: No More “Second Chances”
As of August 1, 2025, USCIS has implemented a stricter policy for family-based petitions for permanent residency. Immigration officers now have greater authority to deny applications outright without first sending a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID).
What this means:
If your application is incomplete, contains errors, or lacks required evidence, USCIS can reject it immediately — without giving you the opportunity to fix it. This is especially dangerous for applicants who are in the U.S. without lawful status, because a denial could lead directly to removal proceedings.
Our recommendation:
- Do not attempt to prepare or file a petition on your own or through a “notario” or unqualified preparer.
- Work with a licensed, experienced immigration attorney who can ensure your application is complete and correct the first time.
- If you already filed without a lawyer, consult one immediately to review your case before USCIS takes action.
2. Tourist Visa Bond Pilot Program
Starting August 1, 2025, the Department of State is launching a pilot program requiring certain travelers from specific countries to:
- Pay a bond of $5,000 to $15,000 to obtain a tourist visa, and
- Pay an additional fee when entering the U.S.
The stated goal is to discourage visitors from overstaying their visas. While the program currently targets a limited number of countries, it could expand to others with high overstay rates in the future.
Critics warn that this policy may unfairly punish law-abiding travelers and could hurt the U.S. tourism industry, particularly in states that depend heavily on visitors.
Why you should watch this:
- If your country is later added to the list, the costs of visiting the U.S. could rise significantly.
- Families may face increased financial barriers to visiting loved ones.
- This policy could expand without much notice — stay informed if you or relatives travel frequently on tourist visas.
3. More ICE Raids, New Detention Centers, and Reopened Deportation Cases
This week, ICE announced the opening of a new detention center in Fort Bliss, Texas, with a capacity for 1,000 detainees. At the same time, there has been an increase in immigration raids across the country — even inside immigration court buildings during hearings.
The Department of Homeland Security claims assaults on ICE officers have increased 1,000% and blames “sanctuary cities.” In response, ICE appears to be pursuing a more aggressive enforcement strategy, which could lead to:
- More rapid deportations,
- Less prosecutorial discretion, and
- More family separations.
Reopening Old Cases:
We’re also seeing a troubling trend: cases that were administratively closed or dismissed years ago under prosecutorial discretion — often during the Obama administration — are now being reopened without direct notification to the immigrant or their attorney. In some instances, people only discover their case was reopened by checking the immigration court’s online portal.
If you miss a reopened court date because you weren’t informed, you could receive an order of deportation in absentia, which allows ICE to arrest and remove you immediately.
If you had a case closed in the past:
- Contact an immigration attorney who focuses on removal defense.
- Have your attorney regularly check your case status in the court’s system.
- Do not wait for a notice in the mail — you may never receive one.
Bottom Line
The immigration climate is becoming stricter. Delays, mistakes, or incomplete applications can have serious consequences, including deportation.
Act now:
- If you have a pending case, make sure it’s being handled by a qualified immigration attorney.
- If you’re considering filing, get legal advice before submitting anything.
- If your old removal case was closed, have an attorney check immediately whether it has been reopened.
At Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., we fight to protect immigrants and their families. If you have questions or concerns about your immigration status, pending case, or the possibility of a reopened deportation order, contact us today.