Between February 28, when the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a new operational guideline, and June 12, the agency has initiated deportation proceedings against more than 26,700 immigrants who are in the country without legal status.
The guide allows USCIS to issue Notices to Appear (NTA) in all cases where a foreign national receives a negative response to an immigration application, such as asylum, green card, or work permit.
This action is in response to President Donald Trump's directive under his Executive Order to "Protect the American People from the Invasion," reinforcing immigration control as a central part of his policy.
The new process could lead to the deportation of thousands of immigrants who applied for asylum with the federal agency.
"Any foreigner denied a immigration benefit, including asylum, green cards, and work permits, will receive a Notice to Appear (NTA)," USCIS stated in X.
"We are here to assist ICE in enforcing the laws of our nation and expelling foreigners from the country," he added.
The agency's spokesman, Matthew Tragesser, stated that under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem, sensible policies have been reinstated, and since February 2025, tens of thousands of NAAs have been issued.
According to Tragesser, USCIS has resumed reviewing immigration petitions and applications, and is issuing 1,840 NTAs per week, which includes 500 NTAs related to asylum and 100 NTAs in Temporary Protected Status (TPS) cases each week.
Additionally, there has been a 2811% increase in NTAs related to fraud each month since the Biden-Harris administration.
"These efforts have reduced the exploitation of the immigration system through humanitarian programs and TPS," emphasizes the statement from USCIS.
The new USCIS policy states that foreign nationals who are beneficiaries of TPS could face deportation if the designation for their country of origin is revoked and they do not have authorization to remain in the U.S. In these cases, it is recommended that they report their departure from the country through the CBP Home app.
Cuba, one of the countries most affected by the migration crisis
At the end of May, the ICE conducted the largest deportation flight in the last five years to Havana, returning 130 Cuban citizens. This was the fifth flight of its kind in 2025, bringing the total to 587 individuals returned from various countries in the region.
The Trump administration has already deported at least 376 Cubans since returning to power, resuming a pattern of mass repatriations that also characterized its first term (2017-2021), when it set a historic record in this area.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has also intensified arrests at workplaces, schools, and courthouses, creating fear among migrant communities.
In recent weeks, several Cubans have been arrested, including some with documents such as the I-220A or in pending immigration processes, as well as others with criminal records and final deportation orders.
Their deportation, however, depends on whether the Cuban government accepts them.
Currently, more than 42,000 Cubans with a final deportation order are under supervised release.
According to the State Department, during each flight preparation, Cuban authorities review the lists and deny the majority of cases with a criminal record or a prolonged stay.
As a result, at least two deported individuals were sent to third countries such as South Sudan, while others remain detained or have been released due to legal limits on detention.
Frequently Asked Questions about Immigrant Deportations in the U.S. under the Trump Administration
How many immigrants have been affected by USCIS's new deportation policies?
Between February 28 and June 12, 2025, USCIS has initiated deportation proceedings against more than 26,700 immigrants who are in the U.S. without legal grounds, in response to President Donald Trump's directive to strengthen immigration control.
What is a Notice to Appear (NTA) and who does it affect?
A Notice to Appear (NTA) is a document issued by USCIS to foreigners whose immigration benefit has been denied, such as asylum, green cards, or work permits. This notice marks the beginning of deportation proceedings and affects any foreign national who receives a negative response to their immigration application.
How does the new deportation policy affect Cubans in the U.S.?
The new deportation policy has had a significant impact on Cubans. Cuba has been one of the most affected countries, with several deportation flights so far in 2025, including the largest deportation flight to Havana in the last five years. More than 42,000 Cubans with final deportation orders are under supervised release in the U.S., but their deportation depends on the acceptance of the Cuban government.
What is the humanitarian parole program and why has it been canceled?
The humanitarian parole program was an initiative introduced by the Biden administration to allow for the temporary entry of migrants for humanitarian reasons. However, the Trump administration has canceled this program for over 530,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, requiring them to leave the country under threat of forced deportation.
What measures is the Trump administration taking to speed up deportations?
The Trump administration has implemented a series of measures to expedite deportations, including the issuance of Notices to Appear (NTA) for those who are denied immigration benefits, an increase in arrests in public places, and the termination of humanitarian parole. Additionally, accelerated deportations are being carried out without the need for a court hearing for certain migrants.
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