Since the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued new guidance on February 28, 2025, over 26,700 undocumented immigrants residing in the United States without legal status have been served Notices to Appear (NTAs), initiating deportation proceedings. An NTA is a formal document requiring individuals to appear in court to begin the process of removal from the country. USCIS has not disclosed a breakdown of the nationalities or demographics of those receiving these notices.
This surge in deportation proceedings follows an executive order by President Trump aimed at “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” which prompted USCIS to implement the new guidance. Matthew Tragesser, a USCIS spokesperson, stated, “Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem, we have returned to common-sense NTA policies and since February 2025, have issued tens of thousands of NTAs to restore integrity and ensure the security of our nation’s immigration system.”
“This update has helped USCIS enforce existing immigration laws by once again issuing NTAs to removable aliens in the United States,” said Spokesman Matthew Tragesser.
USCIS is currently issuing approximately 1,840 NTAs per week, with a focus on rigorous vetting of immigration applications. Compared to the Biden administration, the agency reports a 2,811% monthly increase in NTAs related to fraudulent activities. Of these, roughly 500 NTAs per week pertain to asylum cases, and about 100 per week involve Temporary Protected Status (TPS) cases.
Authorities claim that these efforts have reduced the misuse of humanitarian programs and the TPS system. Under the new guidance, an NTA is typically issued when an immigration benefit request, such as asylum, is denied, and the individual is deemed eligible for removal. In limited cases, prosecutorial discretion may be applied. Legal processes for TPS and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) remain unchanged, adhering to prior protocols.
Individuals whose TPS designation is terminated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and who do not qualify for other legal status may receive an NTA, requiring them to depart the U.S. USCIS encourages the use of the CBP One mobile app to report departures.
Suresh Shahi
View More PostsSuresh Shahi is the editor of NepYork, the showcase of Nepalis in the USA. He has also been an editor of Khasokhas, the voice of the Nepali diaspora in the USA, since 2012. Currently, he hosts the podcast ‘Community Cornerstone.’ Previously, he served as a host, anchor, and news reporter for ABC TV Nepal.
