USCIS in the First 100 Days: A Renewed Focus on National Security and Immigration Integrity

In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has taken bold steps to realign immigration policy with the administration’s priorities: strengthening national security, enforcing the rule of law, and eliminating what it describes as systemic abuse of the immigration system.

Restoring Security Through Screening and Enforcement

USCIS has made national security the cornerstone of its operations. The agency reports the restoration of rigorous screening and vetting procedures that had been weakened under previous administrations. Officers are now equipped with enhanced tools and training to identify immigration fraud and detect individuals who may pose security threats.

Among the new initiatives is the Alien Registration Requirement (ARR), which mandates registration for certain non-citizens and enables authorities to monitor their presence, review criminal backgrounds, and track activity. As of late April, nearly 47,000 individuals had submitted the required Form G-325R. Failure to comply could result in penalties.

The agency is also partnering more closely with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), deploying roughly 450 USCIS volunteers to assist at 85 enforcement facilities. Since January 20, 2025, USCIS field offices have facilitated 369 arrests, including individuals involved in immigration fraud and public safety threats.

Cracking Down on Fraud and Abuse

A key goal of the administration is to prevent the exploitation of the U.S. immigration system. USCIS has significantly expanded fraud detection efforts:

• Over 7,000 benefit fraud records completed

• More than 4,600 fraud cases identified

• Hundreds of criminal referrals made to ICE

• Over 2,200 workplace site visits

• Screening of over 3,500 individuals’ social media for anti-American activity

  
  

USCIS has also been instrumental in dismantling organized fraud schemes. One major success involved a large-scale marriage fraud ring in Maryland, where multiple individuals were indicted with USCIS playing a central role in the investigation.

Social media monitoring is now officially part of the vetting process. USCIS announced it will treat pro-terrorist or antisemitic content as a negative factor when evaluating discretionary benefits.

Reversing Biden-Era Programs and Ending Mass Parole

In a stark departure from recent immigration policies, USCIS has terminated broad humanitarian parole programs that it claims were abused, including those for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans. Over half a million individuals have been notified of the termination of their parole and employment authorization, with instructions to report their departure from the United States.

USCIS also reversed prior Temporary Protected Status (TPS) decisions, including rescinding TPS for Haiti and ending Venezuela’s 2023 TPS designation, citing abuse and a departure from U.S. policy goals.

Reshaping Policy Around Gender and COVID-19

USCIS has made additional policy changes reflecting the administration’s broader platform:

• A return to recognizing only two sexes—male and female—as binary, biological, and immutable.

• New restrictions ensuring that athletes can only compete in sports aligned with their biological sex.

• Elimination of COVID-19 vaccination requirements for Green Card applicants.

• Ending collaboration with sanctuary cities on naturalization ceremonies, citing public safety concerns.

  
  

Enhancing Government Data Systems

The agency is also modernizing the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database. The upgrade aims to simplify access for state and local governments, integrate key data points (including criminal records), and block illegal access to public benefits or voting.

Conclusion

The first 100 days of the Trump Administration have brought sweeping changes to USCIS operations. From enhanced enforcement efforts and fraud detection to the rollback of previous humanitarian programs, the agency is aligning itself closely with an agenda focused on national security, immigration accountability, and policy reforms aimed at reducing what it describes as “exploitation” of the system.

While these actions have garnered strong support from advocates of stricter immigration controls, they are also likely to spark continued debate among immigration attorneys, civil rights organizations, and impacted immigrant communities.

At Bloomrich Law Firm, P.C., we handle a wide range of immigration matters and work with all legal pathways to immigrate to the United States. Whether you need help understanding your options, evaluating your case, or moving forward with a petition, our experienced attorneys are here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re always happy to share our expertise and provide guidance tailored to your situation.

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