Big news is sweeping the country — and it’s not good for immigrants.
On July 3rd, Congress passed what some are calling the “Big Beautiful Bill,” and it’s set to be signed into law by President Trump on July 4th. Supporters are celebrating it as a bold step forward. But for many immigrants and their families, this bill signals the start of a harsher, more dangerous chapter in U.S. immigration enforcement.
Let’s break down what this law does and how it could impact you or your loved ones.
A Fast-Tracked Law with Fast Consequences
This bill was passed using reconciliation, a fast-track legislative process that avoids the usual Senate filibuster. It passed the Senate by a razor-thin 51–50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. Two days later, the House followed suit.
Now it’s on President Trump’s desk. He’s expected to sign it immediately — with a celebration planned at the White House.
What Does the Bill Do?
This is one of the most sweeping immigration enforcement bills in recent history. Here are just a few of the key changes:
🚨 Massive ICE Expansion
- 10,000+ new ICE officers will be hired.
- More worksite raids are expected.
- State and local police will be given more authority to carry out immigration enforcement.
- Private contractors may be hired to support ICE efforts.
🧱 $170 Billion for Border Security
- Funding includes more for the border wall, surveillance, and military detention sites.
- $45 billion is dedicated solely to immigration detention facilities.
- Detention camps like the one nicknamed “Alligator Alcatraz” in Florida are already expanding.
💰 Increased Immigration Fees
- Asylum seekers will now pay $1,000 to apply.
- TPS applicants and work permit renewals will see fee hikes.
- For example, the EAD renewal fee will now be $550 every 6 months.
- Appeals for deportation orders will now cost $900, up from around $100.
⛔ No Protections for Dreamers
- DACA holders and undocumented youth were left out of this bill entirely.
- There’s no path to legal status — leaving millions still in limbo.
📉 Cuts to Public Benefits
- The bill reduces access to food stamps and Medicaid, especially for immigrant families.
- Roughly 11.8 million people may lose their health coverage over the next 10 years.
A Step Toward a Police State?
Many immigration advocates believe this bill sets the stage for a full-blown mass deportation campaign. With a surge in funding, technology, and manpower, ICE will now have the resources to detain, remove, and target more immigrants than ever before — including long-term residents with families, jobs, and roots in the U.S.
Increased detention, militarized enforcement, and no new protections for vulnerable groups? This isn’t just business as usual. It’s a shift in direction — one that many fear will become far more aggressive.
Legal Challenges Are Coming
Several advocacy organizations are already planning to challenge this bill in court. Likely targets:
- The $1,000 asylum fee
- Harsh restrictions on public benefits
- Expanded detention practices
However, challenging a bill that’s already signed into law — especially one passed through reconciliation — will be an uphill battle.
What Should Immigrants Do Now?
- Stay Calm, But Get Prepared.
- Talk to a qualified immigration attorney.
- Get your paperwork in order.
- If you have DACA, TPS, or are in removal proceedings, do not delay any filings.
- Don’t Skip Court.
- If you’re in the middle of a case, showing up is more important than ever.
- If Detained, You Might Still Get Released.
- While detention is expanding, ICE is still releasing individuals — especially those without criminal records. Bond is possible in many cases.
- Naturalization is Still Safe — For Now.
- Applying for citizenship is still relatively fast and secure. But with increasing denaturalization efforts, it’s important to go through the process properly and honestly.
- Avoid DUI and Criminal Charges.
- Congress is also considering HR 875, a bill that would make even admitting to a DUI grounds for deportation or inadmissibility — even if there’s no conviction.
Final Thoughts
At Landerholm Immigration, we know this news is overwhelming. It’s easy to feel hopeless. But you’re not alone. We’re seeing victories for clients every day. Good things are still happening — even in the face of fear and uncertainty.
The immigration system is changing rapidly. But as long as it still exists, we’ll keep fighting for our clients, our communities, and our families.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay strong.
If you need help navigating your immigration case or understanding how this bill may affect you, contact us today. We’re here to fight for you.=