A closer look at the agency’s early actions
May 29, 2025
In a recently circulated email, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) outlined what it calls its “top accomplishments” in the first 100 days since President Trump returned to office. The message reveals a sharp transformation of the agency’s priorities—and has raised alarm among many observers for its unusually aggressive tone and tactics.
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 a loved one needs 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 team of experienced immigration attorneys, who are ready to guide you through every step of the process.
From Service to Surveillance
USCIS, which historically has functioned as a benefits-granting agency, now proudly touts its law enforcement focus. According to their announcement, they have directly coordinated 369 arrests at USCIS offices since January 20, 2025. These arrests occurred when individuals came in for scheduled interviews, often with no knowledge they were being set up.
The agency also boasts of having 450 volunteers from its own staff detailed to ICE operations in 85 field offices across the country. That’s not a typo—450 individuals from USCIS are now actively working on immigration enforcement. Meanwhile, the agency is downsizing through early retirement offers, which means applicants should expect slower processing times in the months ahead.
The End of Humanitarian Programs
Another major shift is the termination of several key humanitarian parole programs, including those for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. The administration claims these programs were abused and allowed fraud to flourish. However, ending these pathways will likely put vulnerable individuals at greater risk—and could drive more desperate migration attempts.
The email also encourages people to use the CBP One app to report their departure from the U.S., a clear push for self-deportation. Anyone considering this route should seek legal advice to fully understand the potential consequences.
Monitoring Social Media for “Anti-Americanism”
Perhaps one of the most disturbing revelations is USCIS’s expanded use of social media vetting. Since January 2025, over 3,500 individuals have had their social media activity screened. While part of this effort is reportedly aimed at identifying anti-Semitic content, the agency has now broadened its scope to include “anti-Americanism.”
But what exactly is anti-Americanism? The agency defines it vaguely—mentioning social media content that promotes, or supports activity or organizations deemed anti-American. The lack of clear guidelines leaves the door open for misinterpretation.
This development raises fundamental questions about freedom of speech, surveillance, and what constitutes a legitimate basis for denying immigration benefits.
To learn more about these developments and gain deeper insight, you can watch Attorney LaToya McBean Pompy’s YouTube video, “USCIS’s Shocking First 100 Days Under Trump (Unscripted)”.
