Skip to main content
policies between January 2017 and March 2024

155 Policies

Filter
Policies by Current Status
Action on Policies by
Type of Action Affecting Trump-era Policies
Policies by Year
Trump Policy Actions
Sorted by date announced
Current Status
  1. January 2017

    1. January 27, 2017

      POTUS issues EO 13769, implementing travel ban and limiting refugee admissions

      Immigrant VisasNon-Immigrant VisasRefugees USCISBureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Final/ActualIn Litigation Presidential Orders
  1. February 2017

    1. February 13, 2017

      USCIS raises standard for initial credible fear and reasonable fear interviews

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCIS Final/ActualIn Litigation Change in Practice
    2. February 20, 2017

      DHS implements EO 13767 on "Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements"

      HumanitarianInteriorBorderDetention USCISCBPICE Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive
  1. March 2017

    1. March 6, 2017

      President issues memo implementing heightened vetting of visa applications and reporting requirements

      RefugeesNon-Immigrant Visas Bureau of Consular AffairsBureau of Population, Refugees, and MigrationORRUSCISDHSDOJ Final/Actual Presidential Orders
  1. April 2017

    1. April 10, 2017

      USCIS recommends termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haiti

      TPS USCIS Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Program Termination
    2. April 25, 2017

      DHS increases capacity for Asylum Division to lead fraud investigations and evaluate national security threats

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCIS Final/Actual Data and Reports

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. May 2017

    1. May 16, 2017

      USCIS requests comment on proposed revisions to Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion

      Immigrant VisasNon-Immigrant VisasCitizenshipHumanitarian USCIS Final/Actual Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. May 24, 2017

      DHS extends TPS for Haiti for six months

      TPS USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. June 2017

    1. Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. August 2017

    1. August 16, 2017

      DHS terminates Central American Minors (CAM) Parole Program

      Minors USCISBureau of Population, Refugees, and MigrationDOSDHS Final/ActualIn Litigation Program Termination

      Current Status

      Partially in effect
  1. September 2017

    1. September 5, 2017

      DHS terminates DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) Program

      DACA USCISDHS Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency DirectiveProgram Termination
    2. Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. September 18, 2017

      DHS publishes notice of DACA rescission in Federal Register

      DACA USCIS In LitigationRescinded Change in Practice
    4. September 29, 2017

      POTUS caps refugee admissions at 45,000 for Fiscal Year 2018

      Refugees Bureau of Population, Refugees, and MigrationUSCISORR Final/Actual Presidential Orders

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. October 2017

    1. October 11, 2017

      DHS terminates TPS for Sudan

      TPS USCIS Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency DirectiveProgram Termination
    2. October 24, 2017

      POTUS issues EO 13815, announcing resumption of refugee admissions with new extreme vetting procedures

      Refugees Bureau of Population, Refugees, and MigrationUSCISDOJ Final/Actual Presidential Orders
    3. October 26, 2017

      ICE imposes new removal deadline on noncitizens with pending U visa applications

      U/T/VAWANon-Immigrant VisasInterior ICEUSCIS Final/Actual Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. November 2017

    1. November 6, 2017

      DHS terminates TPS for Nicaragua

      TPS USCIS Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/VacatedRescinded Agency DirectiveProgram Termination
    2. November 6, 2017

      DHS delays decision on TPS for Honduras, triggering six-month extension

      TPS USCIS Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. December 2017

    1. December 2, 2017

      U.S. ends participation in Global Compact on Migration

      RefugeesImmigrant Visas USCISBureau of Consular AffairsBureau of Population, Refugees, and MigrationOther Final/Actual Program Termination

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. January 2018

    1. January 18, 2018

      DHS terminates TPS for Haiti

      TPS USCIS Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Program Termination
    2. January 18, 2018

      DHS terminates TPS for El Salvador

      TPS USCIS Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/VacatedRescinded Program Termination
    3. January 26, 2018

      USCIS announces "last in-first out" processing for affirmative asylum interviews

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCIS Final/Actual Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    4. January 29, 2018

      DHS announces new extreme vetting measures for refugees

      Refugees Bureau of Population, Refugees, and MigrationUSCISDOJOther Final/Actual Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    5. January 31, 2018

      DHS extends TPS for Syria

      TPS USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. February 2018

    1. February 1, 2018

      USCIS announces additional extreme vetting measures for "following-to-join" refugees

      Refugees USCISICECBPBureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Final/Actual Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. February 8, 2018

      USCIS revises Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization to include question about prior arrests and convictions

      HumanitarianNon-Immigrant Visas USCIS Final/Actual Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. February 15, 2018

      USCIS issues new DACA guidelines after federal judge reinstates DACA

      DACA USCIS Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive
    4. February 27, 2018

      USCIS proposes revisions to Form I-192 for T or U visa applicants

      U/T/VAWA USCIS Final/Actual Forms and Information Collection
  1. March 2018

    1. March 1, 2018

      USCIS begins denying SIJ status to 18-20 year olds

      MinorsImmigrant Visas: Special Immigrant USCISState & Local Entities Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    2. March 7, 2018

      AG Sessions issues Matter of A-B-, restricting asylum claims based on domestic or gang violence

      Asylum, Withholding and CATHearings and Adjudications EOIRAGICEUSCIS Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Adjudication
    3. March 27, 2018

      POTUS terminates DED for Liberia

      Humanitarian USCIS Final/Actual Presidential Orders

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. April 2018

    1. April 10, 2018

      USCIS seeks comment on proposed revisions to Form G-884, Request for Return of Original Documents

      Immigrant VisasNon-Immigrant VisasHumanitarian USCIS Final/Actual Forms and Information Collection
    2. April 26, 2018

      DHS terminates TPS for Nepal

      TPS USCIS Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/VacatedRescinded Agency DirectiveProgram Termination
    3. April 27, 2018

      CBP's metering policy is confirmed through litigation

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder CBPUSCISEOIR Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency DirectiveChange in Practice
  1. May 2018

    1. May 29, 2018

      USCIS removes asylum officer training documents from USCIS website

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCIS Reported Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. May 30, 2018

      USCIS launches first phase of new FOIA request system allowing digital access to records

      Immigrant VisasNon-Immigrant VisasHumanitarianCitizenship USCIS Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in PracticeForms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. June 2018

    1. June 5, 2018

      DHS terminates TPS for Honduras

      TPS USCIS Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/VacatedRescinded Program Termination
    2. June 18, 2018

      USCIS releases criminal record data about DACA requestors

      DACA USCIS Final/Actual Data and Reports

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. June 19, 2018

      DHS reportedly increasing its use of medical records in asylum determinations in children's cases

      MinorsAsylum, Withholding and CATEnforcement USCISICEORR Reported Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    4. June 22, 2018

      DHS updates DACA rescission memo

      DACA USCIS Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive
    5. June 28, 2018

      USCIS retains NTA policy for DACA requestors

      EnforcementDACA ICEUSCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. July 2018

    1. July 11, 2018

      ICE issues guidance for OPLA attorneys on litigating asylum claims after Matter of A-B-

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCISICEEOIR Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency Directive
    2. July 11, 2018

      Reports of possible safe-third country agreement with Mexico

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder CBPUSCISDOS Reported Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. July 20, 2018

      Report: DHS increasing deportation and detention of U-1 status applicants

      U/T/VAWANon-Immigrant Visas ICEUSCIS Reported Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. August 2018

    1. August 14, 2018

      DHS extends TPS for Yemen

      TPS USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive
    2. August 27, 2018

      DHS extends TPS for Somalia through March 17, 2020

      TPS USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. September 2018

    1. September 17, 2018

      USCIS revises Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Accredited Representative

      Immigrant VisasNon-Immigrant VisasHumanitarianNaturalization USCIS Final/Actual Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. September 21, 2018

      USCIS proposes revisions to Form I-602, Application by Refugee for Waiver of Inadmissibility Grounds

      Refugees USCIS Final/Actual Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. September 28, 2018

      USCIS requests comment on proposed revisions to Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver

      HumanitarianNon-Immigrant VisasImmigrant Visas USCIS In LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. October 2018

    1. October 4, 2018

      POTUS caps refugee admissions at 30,000 for Fiscal Year 2019

      Refugees USCISBureau of Population, Refugees, and MigrationORR Final/Actual Presidential Orders

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. November 2018

    1. November 9, 2018

      DOJ and DHS issue interim final rule restricting access to asylum for individuals who enter outside recognized POEs

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder USCISCBPICEDHSEOIR Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Rule
    2. November 9, 2018

      POTUS issues Proclamation 9822 suspending entry across southern border outside ports of entry to bar asylum access

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder CBPUSCISICEEOIR Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Presidential Orders

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    3. Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    4. November 9, 2018

      USCIS issues guidance to asylum officers implementing asylum ban proclamation and regulation

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder USCIS Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    5. November 16, 2018

      USCIS consolidates data on its website into one page entitled Immigration and Citizenship Data

      CitizenshipImmigrant VisasNon-Immigrant VisasHumanitarian USCIS Final/Actual Data and Reports

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. December 2018

    1. December 3, 2018

      USCIS proposes revision to Form I-881, Application for Suspension of Deportation or Special Rule Cancellation of Removal

      Humanitarian USCIS Final/Actual Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. December 11, 2018

      USCIS proposes revisions to Form G-639, FOIA/Privacy Act Request

      Immigrant VisasNon-Immigrant VisasHumanitarian USCIS Final/Actual Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. December 20, 2018

      DHS promulgates the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP)

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder CBPUSCISICE Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency DirectiveChange in Practice

      Current Status

      Partially in effect
    4. December 27, 2018

      USCIS terminates categorical CNMI parole programs

      Humanitarian USCIS Final/Actual Program Termination

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. January 2019

    1. January 28, 2019

      USCIS issues guidance for implementing the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP)

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder CBPUSCIS Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Partially in effect
    2. January 28, 2019

      CBP issues guidance for implementing Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP)

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder CBPUSCIS Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Partially in effect
    3. January 28, 2019

      USCIS announces online case status feature for asylum applicants

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCIS Final/Actual Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. February 2019

    1. February 14, 2019

      USCIS tightens legal marriage requirement for refugee RE-2 derivative spouses

      Refugees USCIS Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice
  1. March 2019

    1. March 1, 2019

      USCIS makes unannounced Form I-730 processing changes, referring certain petitions to ICE

      Asylum, Withholding and CATRefugees ICEUSCIS Final/Actual Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. March 8, 2019

      DHS extends TPS designation for South Sudan

      TPS USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive
    3. March 12, 2019

      USCIS to close most of its international field offices

      HumanitarianImmigrant VisasCitizenship USCIS Final/Actual Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    4. March 28, 2019

      POTUS extends period of Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians

      Humanitarian USCIS Final/Actual Presidential Orders

      Current Status

      Partially in effect
  1. April 2019

    1. April 29, 2019

      President Trump issues memo proposing to tighten asylum rules

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder EOIRUSCISCBPAG Proposed Presidential Orders

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    2. April 30, 2019

      Asylum interviewers will no longer be trained to consider lack of asylum seekers' evidence

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCIS In LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. May 2019

    1. May 2, 2019

      Border Patrol agents will conduct and decide credible fear claims

      BorderAsylum, Withholding and CAT CBPUSCIS Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    2. May 17, 2019

      USCIS renews matching programs in five states to detect benefits fraud

      Humanitarian USCISState & Local Entities Final/Actual Data and Reports

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. May 31, 2019

      USCIS updates procedures for unaccompanied children's asylum applications

      MinorsAsylum, Withholding and CAT USCIS Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. June 2019

    1. June 7, 2019

      United States and Mexico sign joint statement on immigration enforcement

      BorderAsylum, Withholding and CAT USCISICECBPDOS Final/Actual Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. June 7, 2019

      United States and Mexico to discuss binding bilateral refugee agreement

      BorderRefugees USCISICECBP Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. June 30, 2019

      USCIS extends benefits for certain CNMI residents

      HumanitarianCitizenship USCIS Final/ActualRenewed Agency Directive
  1. July 2019

    1. July 8, 2019

      Report: Immigration Officials Use Secretive Gang Databases to Deny Asylum Claims

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorderInterior ICECBPUSCISDOS Reported Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. July 8, 2019

      The Under Secretary of State re-delegates authority to invoke privilege related to refugee vetting

      RefugeesBorder Bureau of Population, Refugees, and MigrationUSCISCBP Final/Actual Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. July 9, 2019

      Asylum seekers given less time to prepare for credible fear interviews

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCIS In LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    4. December 17, 2020

      DHS and DOJ issue joint third country asylum final rule

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder ICEEOIRUSCISCBP Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Rule

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    5. July 26, 2019

      United States and Guatemala sign Asylum Cooperative Agreement

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorder DOJCBPUSCIS Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive
    6. July 26, 2019

      USCIS issues guidance regarding asylum and internal relocation

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCIS Final/Actual Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    7. July 29, 2019

      AG decides Matter of L-E-A-, narrowing family-based PSGs

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT EOIRICEAGUSCIS Final/ActualIn Litigation Adjudication
    8. July 31, 2019

      USCIS designates AG decision in Matter of H-G-G- as adopted policy

      TPSImmigrant Visas USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    9. July 31, 2019

      USCIS publishes U Visa Law Enforcement Resource Guide

      U/T/VAWANon-Immigrant Visas USCISState & Local Entities Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. August 2019

    1. August 2, 2019

      USCIS to terminate Haitian Family Reunification Parole program and Filipino World War II Veterans Parole program

      Humanitarian USCISBureau of Consular Affairs Final/Actual Agency DirectiveProgram Termination
    2. August 2, 2019

      ICE releases Fact Sheet on Directive 11005.2 allowing ICE power to immediately remove U Visa Petitioners

      U/T/VAWANon-Immigrant Visas ICEUSCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive
    3. August 19, 2019

      USCIS issues guidance on discretionary employment authorization for parolees

      HumanitarianEmployment VerificationEnforcement CBPICEUSCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive
    4. August 23, 2019

      Final Rule terminating Flores Agreement on detention of migrant children

      DetentionMinors ICEUSCISCBPORR Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Rule

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    5. August 27, 2019

      DHS moves $155M from disaster relief to immigration enforcement

      BorderDetentionAsylum, Withholding and CAT USCISICEFEMA Final/Actual Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    6. August 28, 2019

      U.S. and El Salvador sign letter of cooperation to reduce border migration

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCISICECBP Final/Actual Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. September 2019

    1. Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. September 3, 2019

      DHS rescinds parole into Guam and CNMI for Russians, restricting issuance to case-by-case determination

      HumanitarianNon-Immigrant Visas: Visitor CBPUSCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. September 20, 2019

      United States and El Salvador sign Asylum Cooperative Agreement

      BorderAsylum, Withholding and CAT DOJUSCISCBP Final/ActualIn LitigationRescinded Agency Directive
    4. September 25, 2019

      United States and Honduras sign Asylum Cooperative Agreement

      BorderAsylum, Withholding and CAT CBPUSCISDOJ Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive
    5. September 26, 2019

      POTUS issues EO 13888, limiting refugee resettlement to states and localities consenting to receive refugees

      Refugees Bureau of Population, Refugees, and MigrationUSCISORRState & Local Entities Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Presidential Orders
    6. September 30, 2019

      USCIS issues policy guidance for Matter of L-E-A-

      Asylum, Withholding and CATRefugees USCISICEEOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. October 2019

    1. October 7, 2019

      DHS begins implementing the Prompt Asylum Claim Review program

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorderDetentionHearings and Adjudications CBPUSCISEOIR Final/ActualIn Litigation Change in Practice
    2. October 15, 2019

      USCIS clarifies requirements for Special Immigrant Juvenile Classification

      Immigrant Visas: Special ImmigrantMinorsHumanitarian USCIS Final/Actual Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. October 16, 2019

      USCIS reopens comment period for 2011 proposed rule amending eligibility and procedures for Special Immigrant Juvenile Petitions

      Immigrant Visas: Special ImmigrantMinorsHumanitarian USCIS Proposed Rule

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    4. Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. November 2019

    1. November 1, 2019

      POTUS reduces refugee admissions to 18,000 for Fiscal Year 2020

      Refugees Bureau of Population, Refugees, and MigrationUSCISORR Final/Actual Presidential Orders

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. November 6, 2019

      DHS begins implementing the Humanitarian Asylum Review Program

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorderHearings and Adjudications USCISCBPEOIR Final/ActualIn Litigation Change in Practice
    3. November 19, 2019

      Interim final rule modifies existing regulations to implement the Asylum Cooperative Agreements

      BorderAsylum, Withholding and CAT EOIRUSCISCBPDOS Final/ActualIn Litigation Rule
    4. November 19, 2019

      EOIR memorializes policy regarding joint rule on the implementation of Asylum Cooperative Agreements

      Asylum, Withholding and CATBorderHearings and Adjudications USCISEOIRICE Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency Directive
    5. November 19, 2019

      USCIS issues policy guidance on Special Immigrant Juvenile classification

      Immigrant Visas: Special ImmigrantMinorsHumanitarian USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive
    6. November 21, 2019

      Reported: USCIS threatens consequences for staff leaking information

      Humanitarian USCIS Reported Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. December 2019

    1. December 6, 2019

      Reported: EOIR expands use of "tent courts" along Southern Border

      HumanitarianAsylum, Withholding and CATBorderHearings and Adjudications USCISEOIRCBPICE Reported Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    2. December 6, 2019

      USCIS proposes substantial changes to the USCIS motions and appeals process (Form I-290B)

      Non-Immigrant VisasImmigrant VisasHumanitarian USCIS Proposed Forms and Information Collection
    3. December 20, 2019

      USCIS issues guidance to clarify the effect of travel by TPS beneficiaries with final orders

      TPSImmigrant Visas USCISICEEOIR Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. January 2020

    1. January 14, 2020

      State Department clarifies adoption policies for non-citizens living in the United States

      Minors USCISDOS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. January 16, 2020

      USCIS proposes changes to Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

      Non-Immigrant VisasHumanitarianImmigrant Visas USCIS Proposed Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    3. January 23, 2020

      USCIS rejects certain application forms for incompleteness if any fields are left blank

      Asylum, Withholding and CATU/T/VAWA USCIS Final/Actual Change in Practice
    4. January 30, 2020

      USCIS issues guidance on biometrics services and fingerprint waivers

      Immigrant VisasNon-Immigrant VisasNaturalizationHumanitarian USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive
  1. February 2020

    1. February 5, 2020

      Reported: ICE begins fingerprinting unaccompanied children age 14 and over in ORR facilities

      InteriorMinors ORRICEUSCIS Reported Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. February 19, 2020

      USCIS opens application period for new status for long-term residents of CNMI

      HumanitarianImmigrant Visas USCISBureau of Consular Affairs Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. March 2020

    1. March 5, 2020

      USCIS issues policy guidance on submission of benefit requests

      Immigrant VisasNon-Immigrant VisasHumanitarianCitizenship USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive
    2. March 17, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS temporarily suspends in-person services

      Asylum, Withholding and CATCitizenship USCIS Rescinded Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    3. March 19, 2020

      Reported, COVID-19: Trump administration temporarily pausing refugee admissions

      Refugees USCISBureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration ReportedExpired Change in Practice

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    4. March 20, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS announces flexibility in submitting required signatures during COVID-19 national emergency

      HumanitarianImmigrant VisasNon-Immigrant Visas: Employment-Based USCIS Final/Actual Change in Practice
    5. March 24, 2020

      USCIS changes intake process for Form I-914, rejects incomplete forms

      U/T/VAWA USCIS Final/Actual Change in PracticeForms and Information Collection
  1. June 2020

    1. June 22, 2020

      DHS amends regulation to remove 30-day processing provision for asylum employment authorization applications

      Asylum, Withholding and CATLabor USCISDHS Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Rule
    2. June 26, 2020

      DHS publishes final rule adopting one-year wait for asylum EADs

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCIS Final/ActualIn LitigationRescinded Rule
    3. June 29, 2020

      USCIS updates filing location for Forms I-918 and I-485 for applicants filing for U nonimmigrant status

      U/T/VAWANon-Immigrant VisasImmigrant Visas USCIS Final/Actual Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
  1. July 2020

    1. Current Status

      Partially in effect
  1. August 2020

    1. August 3, 2020

      USCIS issues final rule increasing fees

      Asylum, Withholding and CATImmigrant VisasNon-Immigrant VisasNaturalization USCIS Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Rule
    2. August 20, 2020

      USCIS designates decision in Matter of Z-R-Z-C- as adopted policy

      TPS USCIS Final/ActualRescinded Agency Directive
    3. August 21, 2020

      USCIS updates its policy manual with guidance on terminating asylee status at adjustment of status

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCISICEEOIR Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    4. August 21, 2020

      USCIS implements DHS guidance to reject, restrict, and shorten DACA program

      EnforcementDACA CBPICEUSCIS Final/ActualIn Litigation Agency DirectiveChange in Practice
  1. September 2020

    1. September 2, 2020

      USCIS revises guidance regarding forms and fees to align with USCIS fee rule

      Immigrant VisasNon-Immigrant VisasHumanitarianNaturalization USCIS Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Change in PracticeForms and Information CollectionRule
    2. September 23, 2020

      DHS issues a temporary rule requiring the use of USCIS-contracted telephonic interpreters in asylum interviews

      Asylum, Withholding and CATHearings and Adjudications USCIS Final/ActualExpired Rule
    3. September 29, 2020

      USCIS proposes revisions to Form I-134, Declaration of Financial Support

      HumanitarianNon-Immigrant Visas USCIS Proposed Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. October 2020

    1. October 6, 2020

      USCIS issues guidance on TPS and eligibility for adjustment of status

      TPSImmigrant Visas USCISAG Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice
    2. October 21, 2020

      EOIR and USCIS issue final rule expanding criminal bars to asylum and limiting review of discretionary denials of asylum

      Asylum, Withholding and CATHearings and AdjudicationsInteriorBorder CBPICEUSCISEOIRBureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Rule

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    3. October 27, 2020

      POTUS reduces refugee admissions to 15,000 refugees for fiscal year 2021

      Refugees Bureau of Population, Refugees, and MigrationORRUSCIS Final/Actual Presidential Orders

      Current Status

      Not in effect
  1. November 2020

    1. November 2, 2020

      USCIS releases instructions on filing Form I-589 asylum applications with the Asylum Vetting Center

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCIS Final/Actual Change in PracticeForms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. November 5, 2020

      AG Barr issues Matter of Negusie, ruling there is no duress exception to "persecutor bar" for asylum and withholding of removal

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT AGEOIRICEUSCIS Final/Actual Adjudication
    3. November 5, 2020

      EOIR issues guidance for implementing Mendez Rojas settlement on recent border crossers and one-year asylum deadline

      Hearings and AdjudicationsAsylum, Withholding and CAT EOIRUSCISDHS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    4. November 12, 2020

      USCIS announces new form G-1558, Report of Request/Receipt of Benefits by Non-Citizens

      Immigrant VisasHumanitarianNon-Immigrant Visas USCISState & Local EntitiesOther Proposed Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    5. November 13, 2020

      USCIS requests comments on proposed revisions to Form I-821D, Consideration of DACA

      DACA USCIS Proposed Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Not in effect
    6. November 17, 2020

      DHS issues statement regarding HSA/FVRA challenges to Acting Secretary's authority

      EnforcementHumanitarian DHSUSCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    7. November 17, 2020

      USCIS announces proposed revisions to Form I-914, Application for T Nonimmigrant Status for trafficking victims

      U/T/VAWA USCIS Proposed Forms and Information Collection
    8. November 18, 2020

      USCIS to require I-730 petitioners to appear for interview

      RefugeesAsylum, Withholding and CAT USCIS Final/ActualRescinded Agency DirectiveChange in Practice
  1. December 2020

    1. December 8, 2020

      State Department proposes revisions to Refugee Biographic Data Sheet

      Refugees DOSBureau of Population, Refugees, and MigrationUSCIS Proposed Forms and Information Collection
    2. December 11, 2020

      EOIR and DHS issue final rule significantly restricting asylum, withholding of removal, and CAT protections

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT CBPUSCISEOIR Final/ActualIn LitigationEnjoined/Vacated Rule
    3. December 15, 2020

      USCIS expands interview requirements for refugee/asylee adjustment of status

      Asylum, Withholding and CATRefugeesImmigrant Visas USCIS Final/Actual Agency DirectiveChange in Practice

      Current Status

      Partially in effect
    4. December 15, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS updates stakeholders regarding significant delay in processing receipt notices at USCIS lockbox facilities

      Non-Immigrant VisasHumanitarianImmigrant Visas USCIS Final/Actual Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Partially in effect
    5. December 23, 2020

      EOIR and USCIS issue communicable-disease security bars to asylum and withholding eligibility

      Asylum, Withholding and CAT USCISCBPDHSEOIR Final/Actual Rule
    6. Current Status

      Not in effect
    7. December 29, 2020

      COVID-19: USCIS provides update on Application Support Centers

      HumanitarianNon-Immigrant VisasImmigrant Visas USCIS Final/Actual Forms and Information Collection

      Current Status

      Partially in effect
  1. January 2021

    1. January 4, 2021

      USCIS provides guidance on Form I-9 for employees with extended work authorization under DACA

      DACAEmployment Verification USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    2. January 11, 2021

      DHS issues order designating the Order of Succession for DHS Secretary

      EnforcementHumanitarian DHSUSCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Fully in Effect
    3. January 14, 2021

      USCIS issues policy guidance on discretionary EAD under adjustment or deferred action applications

      Immigrant VisasDACAEnforcement USCIS Final/Actual Agency Directive

      Current Status

      Partially in effect