ICE expands airport arrests for visa overstays
Federal immigration authorities have begun arresting foreign nationals with expired visas at domestic airports across the United States, opening a significant new front in immigration enforcement. Recent actions have been reported at least 15 airports, where plainclothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have detained travelers at check-in counters, boarding gates, and arrival areas.
The enforcement follows an expansion of information sharing between the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and ICE. While the program initially focused on individuals with existing deportation orders, it now reportedly includes visa overstays. Those detained include tech workers awaiting work visa extensions, spouses of U.S. citizens, former exchange visitors, and individuals with pending immigration applications.
Immigration attorneys say the shift represents a major departure from past practice. Many are now advising clients with pending immigration cases or status changes to avoid unnecessary domestic air travel until their immigration status is resolved.
USCIS changes asylum procedures to reduce the backlog
USCIS officers can now skip the initial asylum interview entirely and send applications straight to immigration court under a new rule that took effect immediately.
In the past, applicants met with a USCIS officer for a one-on-one, non-adversarial interview before any court involvement. Only if USCIS did not grant asylum was the case sent to an immigration judge. Now, officers can transfer cases straight to court based entirely on written filings.
The agency says skipping this step will shrink huge backlogs and prevent people from using delays to stay in the country. Legal experts, however, warn that losing this first interview strips away a crucial chance for applicants to explain their stories in person before ending up in formal deportation proceedings.
A new US rule to restrict student visas will hurt the US economy
The federal government has finalized a rule replacing the long-standing Duration of Status policy for F, J, and I visa holders with fixed admission periods. Beginning in September, most students and exchange visitors will generally be admitted for the length of their approved program, but for no longer than four years. Those who need additional time may have to apply to USCIS for an extension.
Universities and immigration experts say the impact goes beyond the new procedure. Students interviewed by El País describe growing uncertainty as the biggest challenge, arguing that frequent shifts in immigration policy make it increasingly difficult to plan an education and career in the United States.
Experts argue that a sustained decline in international student enrollment would not only affect universities but could also weaken the country’s long-term competitiveness in research, innovation, and high-skilled industries.
Takeaway
U.S. immigration policy has entered a period of heightened administrative discretion and rapid regulatory changes. From airport boarding gates to immigration courtrooms, agency scrutiny is increasing across every stage of the process. Building a proactive strategy early remains the best way to guard against sudden policy shifts and administrative delays.
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