05/27/2026
Navigating the complexities of family immigration can be daunting, especially now, but not with the experts at ERM Immigration! As family immigration law specialists in Seattle, we're dedicated to guiding you through the process with compassion and expertise.
Recently, the most frequent question I have been getting has been: What changes do we expect in immigration? Based on our prior experience with the Trump administration and changes in both public and private attitudes toward immigration, I expect there to be three significant changes at this time. It might surprise you that changes in the actual law are not one of them. The law, for example, the Immigration and Nationality Act, is enacted by Congress. It controls who and how many immigrants we can allow into the US and for what reasons. It must go through Congress to be changed or superseded by another law. This won't be easy. The policy is how a law is interpreted under any particular administration to achieve its goals. It doesn't need any permission from other branches of government to enact it so long as it is within the bounds of the law. You cannot bend policy so much that it breaks the law. This can be a fine line under any administration. I expect a lot of changes to policy, some of which may go too far and result in what would be considered a change in law. If that happens, courts will decide the legality.
So what do we expect? The most significant expectations for change to USCIS adjudicated cases (not cases in EOIR/court or ICE enforcement) will be (1) longer processing times, (2) fewer channels to communicate with the government when there is an error on their part, and (3) more stringent policy and interpretation of the law.
Over the weekend, many US Department of Homeland Security employees were laid off. Of the 400 employees let go, approximately 50 were at USCIS. Of those, 40 were officers handling applications for legal immigration, and 10 handled technology. This will contribute to our first and second predictions: getting your application adjudicated quickly or connecting with the government will be more difficult.
For the third prediction, there hasn’t been enough time to see those changes. So far, we have not observed much difference in adjudication. Even so, with timelines getting longer and the government surely getting tighter on immigration, now is not the time to attempt your applications without an attorney.
Whether you're seeking a visa, citizenship, or reuniting with loved ones, our team of seasoned attorneys is here to ensure your journey is smooth and successful. Trust us to handle the legal intricacies so you can focus on what matters most - building a life together. 💫
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