The U.S. immigration policy is once again changing dramatically. The Trump administration is actively pursuing promises made during the campaign: tightening control, simplifying deportations, and reducing the number of people without legal status.
In recent weeks, many changes have taken place—and not in the direction of leniency.
What is happening?
Lifting restrictions on the detention of children
Previously, there was a rule that a migrant child could not be held in isolation for more than 20 days. Now, the administration proposes to remove this restriction, arguing that the system cannot cope otherwise.
Venezuelans are being deported under a wartime law
This law was originally created for entirely different purposes, but it is now being used to expedite deportations without trial, even though the U.S. and Venezuela are not officially in conflict.
Deportation cases raise concerns
For example, a Lebanese scientist with a valid visa working at Brown University was deported simply because she traveled to Lebanon for a funeral.
Student activists are also at risk—some lose their visas, while others are barred from returning to the country.
Expansion of the travel ban
There are plans to increase the number of countries whose citizens are banned from entering the U.S. Currently, there are eight such countries, but this number could rise to 43 in the future.
Why is this important?
This policy is not just about toughness—it is an attempt to bypass existing legal protection mechanisms. The goal is to make deportations easier and faster.
Before the elections, Trump supporters openly stated that they aimed to deport at least one million people per year. While these numbers have not yet been reached, the groundwork is being laid.
Who is at risk?
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People in the U.S. without legal status
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Those whose cases are still under review
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Visa holders flagged as “of special interest”
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Anyone who could be considered a security threat—even without formal evidence
What to do?
If you are in the U.S. without legal status, do not delay addressing your situation. Now is not the time to wait and hope for the best.
Many people assume that things will settle down, but the system is shifting toward faster and more aggressive enforcement.
Seek legal consultation while it is still possible.
Develop a strategy and submit documents if you have grounds to do so. This is not just a step forward—it is protection against possible consequences.
If you are planning to move to the U.S., it is crucial to assess the risks in advance and avoid acting blindly.