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Are You Scared Or Prepared – Navigating Adjustment of Status Under the Trump Administration


Adjustment of Status Under the Trump Administration: Top Key Changes & How to Prepare


What You Need to Know About Adjustment of Status Under the Trump Administration

If you’re considering applying for adjustment of status or are already in the process, here’s what you need to know under the Trump Administration. You may feel scared about what to expect. Your fear is understandable. Under this administration, we’ve seen real changes in how USCIS is handling these cases that could adversely affect your chance at becoming a permanent resident and getting your green card.

Summary: Adjustment of status under the Trump administration now involves mandatory interviews, increased scrutiny, and greater collaboration between USCIS and ICE. Applicants must prepare thoroughly to avoid delays or enforcement risks during the green card process.

At our firm, we’re seeing it up close — more scrutiny, a more adversarial tone, and an alarming alignment between USCIS and ICE. Here’s what we’ve observed and what you need to know to stay safe and prepared during your adjustment of status process.

Mandatory Interviews for Adjustment of Status Under the Trump Administration

One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen is the mandatory return of in-person interviews for nearly all adjustment of status applicants. This wasn’t always the case. Prior to policy changes that started under the Trump administration, USCIS officers could waive interviews for certain applicants – especially in straightforward cases involving spouses of U.S. citizens or parents of adult U.S. citizens.

Now, everyone is getting called in.

Even married couples who’ve been together for over a decade, with U.S.-born children get called in for interviews now. The tone in some cases has moved from routine review to mini-interrogation.

You must prepare for your interview like it’s your only chance to convince the officer that you are eligible to adjust your status (Form I-485) to become a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. Because it just might be.

USCIS and ICE Coordination: A Cautionary Tale

This is where things start to get alarming. We’ve observed more coordination between USCIS and ICE, especially when it comes to applicants who may have prior immigration violations or unresolved removal orders. These are no longer just administrative interviews — they can be traps. This is also evidenced in USCIS social media accounts, like Instagram – where the visual is handcuffs, green card and visa all in the same post with dire warnings about revocation.

📹 WATCH: See our video on how USCIS is acting more like ICE
👉 TikTok: USCIS and ICE

There was a widely reported case of a mother of four U.S. citizen children who was detained at her adjustment of status interview and turned over to ICE. Her U.S. citizen husband had filed the petition on her behalf in good faith. But when she walked into her interview, ICE was waiting. Read more on Newsweek.

This isn’t an isolated case – we’ve seen or heard of several similar situations. If you or a loved one has any past immigration issues, even decades old, it’s critical to have an immigration lawyer assess your case thoroughly before you apply or attend any interview.

Faster Interview Scheduling: Efficiency or a Red Flag?

Another change we’ve noticed: interviews are being scheduled faster than usual. At first glance, this might seem like good news. But consider the context.

Speed in government processing usually doesn’t mean better service – it can mean increased enforcement. Our concern is that USCIS is moving people through the system quickly to flag issues and initiate removal proceedings more efficiently.

We had a client receive their interview notice less than four weeks after filing, which is almost unheard of in years past. While we helped them prepare in time, not every applicant will be so lucky. If you’re not ready or if your case has issues – that interview can quickly become a liability.

Adjustment of Status Interview Environment: Intimidation by Design?

Something else we’ve seen locally is the way USCIS waiting rooms are now presenting themselves. At our USCIS Field Office located in Norfolk, VA and serving Hampton Roads’ cities like Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Newport News, the TVs loop videos of enforcement actions and fraud warnings. Gone are the days of N-400 quiz questions with answers and statistics about how many cases USCIS has processed.

One client told us after her interview: “Watching those videos scared the sh$% out of me.” And that’s exactly the point – fear. They want you to be scared. But don’t be scared, be prepared. The intention seems clear: to intimidate applicants, especially those who may have uncertain histories or unresolved legal questions.

It’s critical to walk into that interview not just emotionally prepared but legally prepared.

Key Takeaways for Adjustment of Status Applicants

  1. File it right the first time.
    Mistakes or missing documents can delay your case — or worse, flag it for denial. Every detail matters.
  2. Know your history.
    Be aware of any immigration violations, prior entries, or criminal history. Even old or minor infractions can be used against you. A widely reported case involved a mother of four who was detained during her green card interview. Sadly, this is the reality of filing adjustment of status under the Trump administration — those with old removal orders if it occurred when you were minor as it was with this mother of four in this case – can land you in detention. This case underscores the importance of being prepared and knowing your immigration history. Newsweek article
  3. Request a FOIA.
    A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request can help you obtain your immigration records from various agencies. It’s essential for spotting potential issues before USCIS does.
  4. Prepare to file a waiver if needed.
    If you’re inadmissible for any reason (such as unlawful presence or prior deportation), you’ll need a waiver. This process is complex and should be handled by an experienced attorney.
  5. Bring certified dispositions of any arrests.
    If you’ve ever been arrested, you must bring certified court records showing what happened. Do not assume it’s “off your record.”
  6. Hire a lawyer – like us.
    This isn’t the time to go it alone. We’ve had clients try the DIY route and come to us only after things went south. An experienced attorney can mean the difference between approval and removal. Remember — don’t be scared, be prepared, and we will help you be prepared every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adjustment of Status Under the Trump Administration

Is USCIS really working with ICE now?

Yes. We’re seeing evidence of increased cooperation between the two agencies. If you have an old deportation order, a criminal record, or other enforcement issues (like registering to vote or voting in a Federal election), you could be at risk. Sometimes ICE is called beforehand and they’re just waiting for you.

What should I bring to my adjustment of status interview?

Bring your appointment notice, government-issued ID, original documents (birth certificates, marriage licenses), updated medical exam (if required), certified dispositions for any arrests, and anything USCIS has requested. And bring us, your trusted immigration lawyer.

What if I have a prior removal order?

You should speak to an immigration attorney before applying. Attending an interview without legal protection in place could result in detention or deportation.

Take Action with Adjustment of Status Immigration Lawyers

Thinking about applying for a green card from inside the U.S.? Adjustment of status under the Trump administration has gotten tougher — with more interviews, more surprises, and USCIS acting a lot more like ICE. Be smart and get prepared.

Families applying for adjustment of status under the Trump Administration are facing real challenges. With USCIS working closely with ICE and surprise detentions happening even at interviews, being informed — and represented — has never been more important.

We know how stressful this process can be — especially now. At Gardner & Mendoza, we’ve helped thousands of couples, parents, and families adjust their status successfully, even in complex situations. Let us help you protect your future.

📞 Schedule a consultation today. We’ll help you file your Adjustment of Status Under The Trump Administration right, prepare for your interview, and stay protected at every step.

For more information, visit our green card services page or explore our immigration law blog for more updates.

Related posts:

  1. How an Air Freshener Can Land You in Jail
  2. Crowd Fund Your Legal Fees
  3. Use Licensed Lawyers to File Immigration Paperwork
  4. What is a Bond Hearing & Who Should Attend?

Filed Under: Immigration Blog Articles

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Well, hard to believe… job done! I’m frank to admit I had no idea that it would be so involved compared to 10 years ago when I did the renewal myself. Happily I was fortunate enough to find the best people to help get it done this time. When I was a working stiff it was mostly as a field guy in sales & marketing. High tech communication in those days was a pay phone in customers’ lobbies, so someone back in the office skilled in dealing w/problems was absolutely essential when I couldn’t be contacted. Most of those who supported me that way were good at what they did, some were outstanding. None were better than you!! This tedious & sometimes worrisome process would have been unbearable without your keeping it, & me, on track. So we want to extend our thanks to you and Radlyn. Hoping for Gardner & Mendoza to continue the good work for many years to come. - Anonymous
Gardner and Mendoza Law Firm is a great law firm no matter what kind of situation you may be in! For example I had court today, John Gardner, my attorney represented me today and got the charged dismissed totally the first time we both appeared in front of the judge in Virginia Beach Traffic Court. He uses every bit of knowledge he can to help you get the best results!! He also works very well with Latinos! They have a Spanish speaking person in their office at all times!! - Sebastian
My husband and I had a great experience with Mrs. Mendoza. She provided excellent information and a sense of urgency with every step of our immigration process. Her team was always supportive in getting us the information we needed throughout the whole process. This legal firm also treats their clients with the highest levels of respect. In all of Virginia I would say that the Gardener & Mendoza team is the best recommendation for same sex immigration cases and for immigration cases in general. It was a pleasure to work with them. - Anonymous
I Highly Recommend Radlyn Mendoza, An Excellent Immigration Lawyer. My wife and I were very worried about my wife’s immigration and legal status. We were quite impressed with Attorney Mendoza during our initial consultation. She proved to be a smart, knowledgeable, and very capable immigration attorney. She and her staff were very helpful and responsive to all of our requests. Kudos to her and staff, especially Leesa, for successfully handling our case. Thanks for a job well done. - Thomas and Cheong W.
My daughter received a reckless driving ticket going 60 in a 35 mph zone, so understandably, I was very concerned. In court, Mr. Gardner was able to get the reckless driving charge and ticket completely dismissed due to his knowledge of what the police officer had to present in court. Mr. Gardner was a familiar face to the judge and the clerks in the Virginia Beach courthouse. When we contacted John Gardner’s office at Gardner & Mendoza, he and his staff made us feel comfortable by explaining the whole process to us. His track record and the reviews online helped make the decision to choose Mr. Gardner over other attorneys easy. I highly recommend Mr. Gardner. He gave us peace of mind and won the case too! - Michelle

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