U.S. Immigration Policy • Adjustment of Status
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has temporarily paused the processing of certain green card applications, citing new executive orders from President Trump that require enhanced vetting of all applicants for potential fraud or national security risks.
This pause affects individuals in the Adjustment of Status process, including some approved refugees, who may now face significant delays in becoming lawful permanent residents. The policy shift is part of a broader trend toward aggressive immigration enforcement, raising concerns among legal experts and immigrant advocacy groups.
The increased scrutiny has been accompanied by high-profile legal battles, such as the case of Yunseo Chung, a permanent resident and student at Columbia University, who is currently fighting deportation after participating in pro-Palestinian protests. Her lawsuit claims the government is using immigration enforcement to suppress political dissent — a claim that echoes similar cases involving other students and green card holders.
Civil rights organizations warn that the administration’s actions disproportionately affect immigrants of color and could set a dangerous precedent by intertwining immigration law with political speech.
At BenEzra & Katz, we are closely monitoring the legal implications of these policy changes. If you are currently applying for a green card or are concerned about your legal status due to public expression or protest involvement, we strongly advise seeking legal counsel to protect your rights.
Original source:
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/26/trump-signal-chat-middle-east-opinion