For Your Immigration

We are providing this week’s update to keep our clients informed about the issues currently affecting the immigration landscape in Chicago and nationwide. These developments have real consequences for pending cases, personal safety, and long-term planning.

Chicago Enforcement Climate and Federal Court Oversight

Chicago continues to experience aggressive enforcement activity connected to the Midway Blitz operation. Clients should be aware of the following:

• Federal judges have found likely violations of the long-standing consent decree limiting warrantless arrests. Several people have already been ordered released because agents acted outside their legal authority.

• Enforcement remains active. Even as Border Patrol units begin to leave the city, ICE Chicago continues to conduct home visits, workplace arrests, and street-level operations.

• Courts have restricted the use of force by federal agents at protests after finding that agents targeted peaceful demonstrators and used unlawful tactics.

• ICE continues to arrest first and justify later. Clients should be prepared for unexpected contact in workplaces, residences, or public spaces.

• Having a plan and asserting your rights during any encounter with ICE remains critical.

USCIS Policy and Practice Updates

DHS and USCIS continue to apply heightened scrutiny to all categories of filings. Clients should prepare for a more demanding process.

• USCIS is issuing more RFEs and reviewing prior entries, old filings, and any past contact with immigration authorities more aggressively.

• The agency is transitioning toward mandatory electronic fee payments. Clients must be ready to use secure, official payment methods and avoid any third-party or unofficial channels.

• Anyone requiring an interpreter for a USCIS interview should use a professional interpreter. Using friends or family increases the risk of miscommunication and credibility issues.

Staying Updated on Case Timelines and Priority Dates

Case timelines can change without warning. It is the client’s responsibility to monitor updates and communicate with our office promptly.

• Priority dates in the Visa Bulletin may shift forward or backward unexpectedly. A petition approval does not permit filing for permanent residence unless the priority date is current.

• USCIS can change whether applicants should use the “Dates for Filing” chart or the “Final Action Dates” chart, which may impact eligibility to file for adjustment.

• The Chicago Immigration Court continues to adjust schedules as new judges are added. Hearing dates may move earlier or later with limited notice.

• Clients must keep their address updated with EOIR, USCIS, and our office. Failing to receive a notice can lead to serious consequences, including an in-absentia order.

• All mail from USCIS, EOIR, or DHS should be opened immediately, reviewed carefully, and shared with our office.

Travel, ICE Encounters, and Safety Planning – Key Reminders

Clients should take the following precautions, especially during periods of heightened enforcement:

• Undocumented clients should not travel by air, by train routes that require ID checks, or through any setting involving TSA or CBP.

• Anyone with a prior removal order, pending case, criminal history, or uncertainty about immigration status should avoid travel that involves federal screening unless they have consulted our office.

• If ICE is at the home, do not open the door unless agents present a judicial warrant signed by a judge.

• Clients should not answer questions or sign documents without speaking to an attorney. They may provide their true name and then request legal counsel.

• Keep our firm’s contact information accessible and designate a trusted person who knows how to reach us if you are detained.

• Review our Safety Planning Guide and ensure your family has copies of important documents, established contacts, and a clear plan in case of an emergency.