Since February 28, 2025, USCIS has issued more than 26,700 Notices to Appear (NTAs), initiating removal proceedings in court for individuals who lack legal status in the U.S. This action follows the updated guidance under President Trump’s executive order Protecting the American People Against Invasion, which strives to enhance national security, uphold public safety and enforce the integrity of the immigration system. USCIS states that the agency has returned to “commonsense” enforcement policies by resuming NTA issuance in cases where individuals are deemed removable.
Prioritizing fraud prevention, stronger vetting, and agency cooperation is part of the shift by USCIS. Approximately 1,840 NTAs are now being issued weekly, these include 500 NTAs related to asylum cases and 100 in relation to Temporary Protected Status (TPS). There has also been a 2,811% increase from the Biden-Harris administration relating to fraud NTAs per month. Additionally, USCIS is assisting ICE by providing volunteers to support in field operations and enforcement.
The updated guidance did not alter the procedures required by law or affect DACA or TPS cases. However, people from countries where a TPS designation is terminated or who lack other legal status may be subject to NTA issuance.
Reference:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS Initiates Removal Proceedings Against 26,000 Aliens Since February. U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2025, www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-initiates-removal-proceedings-against-26000-aliens-since-february.
