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USCIS Enforcement Powers Expansion and TPS Risks

Discussion and reaction to a significant expansion of law enforcement authority for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), effective October 4, 2025. A new final rule empowers USCIS special agents to investigate, arrest, carry firearms, and execute warrants for immigration violations, a role previously held predominantly by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While DHS and USCIS statements emphasize this change as crucial for national security, fraud detection, and streamlining investigations, a Zomi International Refugee Council article (ZIRC) highlights concerns for immigrants, particularly Burmese Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. This article warns of potential negative impacts such as a chilling effect on applicants, stricter scrutiny of cases, and increased risks of family separation and unsafe removals, advocating for the extension and redesignation of TPS for Myanmar. Fragomen, an immigration law firm, also outlines the new authorities and notes the rule's publication without public comment, suggesting potential legal challenges.
English Version: https://zpcc.net/uscis-enforcement-expansion-puts-burmese-tps-holders-at-risk/