The New USCIS: Revised Adjudication Policies You Need to Know

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If you have a pending application with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), it’s important to stay informed as policies continue to shift under the Trump administration.

Recent changes in immigration enforcement and USCIS procedures may directly affect how your application is reviewed, how long the process takes, and even whether additional information or interviews may be required.

Understanding these policy changes can help you better prepare, avoid unnecessary delays, and ensure that your application remains compliant with these changing policies.

Detentions at Green Card and Naturalization Interviews

Recent reports indicate a concerning trend of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detaining individuals during green card and naturalization interviews at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) field offices.

Under the Trump administration, there has been an uptick in such incidents, raising alarm among the immigrant community. For instance, in April a Danish national and father of four, was arrested by ICE during his USCIS citizenship interview in Memphis, Tennessee, due to a missed paperwork deadline from 2015. Despite having no criminal record, he was denied bail and remains detained.

Similarly, a Palestinian student at Columbia University, was detained by ICE during his USCIS naturalization interview in Vermont. His arrest, reportedly linked to his pro-Palestinian activism, sparked legal challenges and debates over constitutional rights.

These cases underscore a broader pattern where ICE coordinates with USCIS to arrest individuals at immigration appointments, even those pursuing legal residency through family-based petitions. Such actions have been criticized for undermining trust in the immigration process and potentially violating due process rights.

Heightened Scrutiny at Naturalization Interviews

To align with President Trump’s executive orders, USCIS officers have adopted a more stringent approach during naturalization interviews, reflecting a broader shift toward heightened scrutiny in the citizenship process.

Applicants have reported that officers are posing more detailed questions, extending beyond the standard civics and English tests, and are more rigorously examining applicants’ backgrounds, including their social media activity. Officers have routinely questioned applicants regarding their criminal history responses on Part 9. of the Form N-400 application.

Officers are also reexamining previous immigration applications to detect potential fraud or misrepresentation, with particular focus on cases where the individual obtained permanent residency through marriage to a U.S. citizen they are no longer married to.

This intensified vetting process has led to increased requests for evidence (RFEs) and denials, particularly affecting individuals with complex histories, such as those with previous divorces, past criminal offenses, or extensive travel abroad.

USCIS & ICE Collaboration

Under the Trump administration, the collaboration between U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has intensified, leading to more aggressive enforcement actions against inadmissible noncitizens.

Enforcement and Removal

Recently, USCIS has adopted a more stringent enforcement posture following the denial of immigration benefit applications. A policy memorandum issued on February 28, 2025, mandates that USCIS initiate removal proceedings by issuing a Notice to Appear (NTA) in immigration court when an application denial renders a foreign national unlawfully present in the United States. This policy applies to various applications, including Form I-485 (adjustment of status) and Form I-539 (change or extension of nonimmigrant status), with exceptions for beneficiaries of employment-based petitions, though not necessarily their dependents.

Additionally, the Trump administration has directed USCIS to issue NTAs in cases involving criminal conduct, fraud, or abuse of public benefit programs, even if these issues were not the basis for the application denial. While applicants may file a motion to reopen or reconsider the decision using Form I-290B, the window for such actions is limited, and failure to act promptly can lead to removal proceedings. These developments underscore the importance for applicants to seek legal counsel to navigate the complexities of immigration enforcement policies effectively.

It is also advised for applicants to attend their immigration interviews with their attorney.

Interview Waivers

USCIS has significantly curtailed the use of interview waivers for various immigration applications, reflecting a broader emphasis on vetting procedures. While certain interviews have been waived under the Trump administration, the general trend has been to mandate in-person interviews for all family-sponsored adjustment of status applicants, eliminating the previous discretion to waive interviews for these categories. It is also likely that USCIS will soon require in-person interview for employment-based adjustment of status applicants, increasing backlogs and USCIS processing times significantly.

STOKES Fraud Interviews

USCIS has also intensified its scrutiny of marriage-based green card applications, leading to a notable increase in STOKES fraud interviews. These secondary interviews are conducted when USCIS officers suspect potential marriage fraud. In a STOKES interview, couples are questioned separately about intimate details of their relationship, such as daily routines, shared finances, and personal habits. The officers then compare the responses for consistency to assess the authenticity of the marriage. This rigorous approach reflects the administration’s focus on detecting and preventing immigration fraud. As a result, applicants faced longer processing times and increased pressure to provide comprehensive evidence of a bona fide marital relationship.

Advance Parole Denials

Individuals who originally entered the United States without inspection or who have significantly overstayed their valid visas have reportedly faced difficulties re-entering the country after temporary travel abroad, even when holding a valid advance parole document issued by USCIS.

Others have experienced increasing denial rates when applying for the advance parole document with USCIS. Prior to engaging in international foreign travel, individuals with a complex immigration history should discuss the risks of travel with an immigration attorney.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evolving policies and enforcement strategies under the Trump administration have reshaped how USCIS processes and adjudicates immigration applications. From heightened scrutiny at interviews to closer collaboration with ICE, applicants now face a more challenging immigration process.

These changes illustrate the importance of staying informed, thoroughly preparing for your interview, and seeking qualified legal counsel to help you navigate the immigration process.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

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