What You Can Do to Stay Safe in These Uncertain Times
April 17, 2025
Immigration law is always in flux, but recent developments have left many lawful permanent residents and green card holders in a state of uncertainty. With rumors swirling around an impending travel ban and heightened immigration enforcement, concerns are rising about the safety of reentering the U.S., particularly for those from countries that may be affected by new policies.
LaToya McBean Pompy, who immigrated to the United States herself, was inspired to help families unite by founding McBean Law, a New York immigration law firm. If you or loved one need assistance with denaturalization issues or visa applications, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today. You can contact us here or call (914) 898-9488 to schedule a private consultation with LaToya and her experienced immigration attorney team, who are ready to guide you through every step of the process.
The Surge in Concerns Among Green Card Holders
Many individuals with green cards are experiencing growing anxiety. The potential announcement of a new travel ban has fueled fears about leaving and reentering the country. Green card holders are particularly concerned about whether they will face detentions, expedited removals, or other obstacles when attempting to reenter the U.S. after traveling abroad. While many of these reports are isolated and case-specific, social media platforms have amplified the fears, contributing to an overall sense of uncertainty.
A new, emerging worry is the possibility of visa revocations or detentions based on political speech. This has raised alarms about the potential chilling effect on freedom of expression, especially in an immigration context. Many people are being advised to be cautious and are being encouraged to delay non-essential international travel until official guidance is provided.
Urgent Travel and Safety Tips for Immigrants
In light of the increased uncertainty, key tips have been shared to help individuals protect themselves during this precarious time. These include:
- Protect Digital Privacy: Turn off Face ID and other biometric features on smartphones to prevent customs officers from accessing private data. Phones and laptops are often searched at the border, and protecting one’s digital privacy has never been more important.
- Avoid International Travel if You Have a Criminal Record: Even if the offense was minor or dismissed, it’s advised against traveling internationally if you have any criminal record. A criminal history can lead to complications or even detention upon reentry to the U.S.
- Limit Your Time Abroad: Green card holders should be cautious about staying outside of the U.S. for more than six months. Prolonged absences can jeopardize permanent resident status and may result in complications at reentry.
Concerns Over Detentions and USCIS Interviews
Another growing issue is the increasing number of detentions at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) interviews. Reports are emerging that individuals, particularly those with green cards or pending cases, are being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at field offices, particularly in Florida and Dallas. This has sparked concerns about the safety of attending USCIS interviews in person.
More troubling, USCIS has been reverting to in-person interviews, even for straightforward cases that were previously handled through interviews or waivers. It’s crucial for individuals to be fully prepared and consider having legal representation present during their interviews. As immigration enforcement intensifies, both immigrants and U.S. citizen petitioners sponsoring them face greater scrutiny.
The Impact of Increased Enforcement on Immigration Benefits
As enforcement ramps up, many immigrants are questioning whether it’s safe to apply for benefits like naturalization, green cards, or family-based petitions. Many individuals are hesitant to apply for fear of detention or triggering removal proceedings if their applications are denied.
In light of this, it is advised to seek professional guidance before submitting applications, especially if there is a criminal record or past immigration issues. Preparing applications thoroughly and ensuring all forms are completed accurately is crucial to avoiding unnecessary complications. There has also been a rise in naturalization filings as individuals seek to secure their status and avoid future uncertainties.
However, processes like marriage-based green cards and family preference petitions have been significantly delayed. One key concern is the reinstatement of the Notice to Appear (NTA) policy, which can place applicants in removal proceedings for even minor mistakes—such as missing medical forms.
Navigating the Complexities of Immigration Under the Current Administration
The political climate under the current administration has created an atmosphere of heightened enforcement. It is strongly advised to seek expert legal guidance, particularly in the face of mounting risks, slower processing times, and the potential for denials over small errors. With policies similar to those from the previous administration taking root again, it’s more critical than ever to work with qualified professionals to navigate this uncertain landscape.
One emerging trend is the use of mandamus lawsuits—a legal strategy to expedite delayed cases, particularly for asylum seekers and other immigration applicants whose cases have been in limbo for years. However, the landscape for immigration law is not without its challenges, especially with executive orders from the Trump administration that target legal advocacy and could intimidate those offering support to individuals in need.
You can watch Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy’s podcast with Attorney John Ting, “Two Immigration Attorneys Discuss Major Changes in U.S. Immigration Laws 2025,” to gain deeper insights into the evolving immigration landscape. In this discussion, they delve into significant updates affecting green card holders, visa applicants, and those seeking naturalization.
