WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has initiated removal proceedings against more than 26,700 foreign nationals since implementing revised guidance on the issuance of Notices to Appear (NTAs) on February 28, 2025. The updated policy aligns with Executive Order: Protecting the American People Against Invasion, signed by President Trump, and reflects a broader effort to strengthen enforcement of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
The revised guidance aims to enhance national security, public safety, and the integrity of the legal immigration system. According to USCIS Spokesperson Matthew Tragesser, “We have reverted to logical and principled NTA issuance practices under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem. Since February, USCIS has issued tens of thousands of NTAs, reinforcing our commitment to restoring the security and integrity of the immigration system.”
Key Enforcement Developments
The updated NTA guidance has significantly increased coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including the deployment of USCIS personnel to support enforcement operations.
USCIS is currently issuing approximately 1,840 NTAs per week, reflecting a 2,811% increase in fraud-related NTAs compared to monthly figures under the Biden-Harris administration.
Of these, roughly 500 NTAs per week are related to asylum cases and 100 per week involve individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
The revised policy directs that NTAs be issued following a negative adjudication of a benefit request in cases where an individual is found removable, though prosecutorial discretion may still be exercised in certain cases.
Screening and Deterrence Efforts
As part of its expanded enforcement strategy, USCIS has resumed comprehensive screening and vetting of immigration petitions and applications. These measures serve to deter misuse of the immigration process and are central to restoring confidence in legal pathways, particularly in humanitarian and TPS-related programs.
Importantly, the revised guidance does not change NTA procedures in statutorily or regulatorily mandated cases, nor does it modify existing practices concerning Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or TPS.
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