Immigration Week in Review: Increased Vetting, Family Petition Risks, & 55M Visa Holders Under Watch

USCIS Expands Ideological Screening

USCIS has issued updated guidance that broadens the discretionary factors officers can weigh when deciding immigration benefits. In addition to criminal history or fraud, officers are now directed to review whether an applicant has expressed anti-American or antisemitic views, including through social media. The policy states clearly that such activity will be treated as an “overwhelmingly negative factor” in discretionary analysis, and officials emphasized that “immigration benefits—including to live and work in the United States—remain a privilege, not a right.” The guidance also expands the scope of social media reviews, making online activity a standard part of the background check process.

Family-Based Petitions May Trigger Removal Proceedings

USCIS has clarified that filing an I-130 petition does not provide legal status or protect beneficiaries from deportation. If a beneficiary is found to be removable during the process, the agency may issue a Notice to Appear and place them in removal proceedings even while the petition is pending. This clarification is now formally reflected in the USCIS Policy Manual and applies immediately to both pending and future petitions, underscoring that families petitioning for undocumented relatives may unintentionally draw government attention to a case that otherwise had not been prioritized.

State Department Launches Review of 55 Million Visa Holders

The State Department has begun what it calls a “continuous vetting” process of all 55 million active visa holders worldwide. Officials say this review will use automated tools to monitor for overstays, unauthorized employment, or potential security risks long after visas are issued. While most visa holders remain in good standing, the unprecedented scale of the effort raises concerns about false positives and delays for students, workers, and long-term residents who rely on valid visas.

Key Takeaway

Immigration benefits are increasingly being treated as privileges rather than guarantees. With ideological scrutiny expanding, family-based filings carrying new risks, and massive enforcement reviews underway, applicants and petitioners should remain informed and cautious as policies continue to evolve.

At Heckler Law Group, we are committed to keeping our clients and community informed of the latest developments shaping U.S. immigration policy.

Schedule a Consultation

With policy changes moving quickly, many families and employers are reassessing how these updates may affect them. If you’d like to discuss your situation with an attorney, you can schedule a consultation with our office.