How Trump’s New Policies Impact Visas, Work Permits & Family Reunification

We get it—immigration is stressful, and with Trump back in office, things might get even trickier. If you’re waiting on a visa, renewing your work permit, or trying to bring family to the U.S., now is the time to take action. 

Policies are expected to shift, and waiting too long could put you in a tough spot. The good news is that there are options, and you can start taking control of your case today.

Let’s break down what’s happening, what might change, and most importantly—what you can do to stay ahead.

What Immigration Changes Can We Expect?

Trump’s past immigration policies created “invisible walls”—bureaucratic delays, more paperwork, and fewer approvals. Based on his 2024 campaign promises and his first month as the President of the United States, here’s what might be coming:

Trump’s Immigration-Related Executive Orders

Trump has used executive orders to fast-track immigration policy before, that was the case during his first day in office this year. Immigration-related Executive Orders included:

• Plans to accelerate deportations of undocumented immigrants, focusing primarily on individuals with final orders of removal and those with criminal convictions.
• Interest in ending birthright citizenship to babies born in America if their parents are undocumented or here on temporary visas. But this isn't as simple as just making a new rule - it goes against what's written in our Constitution.
• Return of the “Remain in Mexico” policy. This means people asking for asylum would have to wait in Mexico while their U.S. court cases move forward, raising serious safety concerns.
• The border wall remains a signature policy, with plans to accelerate construction and increase federal funding for the U.S.-Mexico barrier. 

If new executive orders come, they could expand deportation priorities, affecting more immigrants, and limit family-based immigration, slowing down reunification.

Work Permits Might Get Harder to Obtain

If you’re relying on Bona Fide Determination (BFD) for temporary work authorization and deferred action, that policy could be eliminated. Other options and benefits wouldn’t be so easy to get rid of such as the waitlist decision for U visa applicants.

If BFDs are removed:

• No new work permits for applicants waiting on visa decisions.
• Current BFD holders may lose renewal options.
• Higher risk of deportation without deferred action protections.

What You Can Do: If you’re eligible for a work permit and deferred action, apply now before the rules change. And if you applied and are waiting for a decision, find ways to speed up your application.

Expect Longer Processing Times

Already frustrated with slow immigration processes? It could get worse. By its own design, USCIS has been struggling with severe processing delays. For example, U Visa deferred action benefits currently take an average of 5 years. 

• Recent layoffs of USCIS employees may worsen the backlog rather than improve efficiency.
• More paperwork and scrutiny means longer waits for visas and green cards.

What You Can Do: If your application has been stuck, consider legal action to speed things up.

Family Reunification Could Get Harder

Trump is unlikely to cut immigration completely, but he could put more restrictions on family-based visas.

• Overseas parole might face more barriers.
• Lawsuits could become “The Way” to bring family to the U.S.

What You Can Do: If you have loved ones abroad, start the process now before things change.

ICE Enforcement Could Intensify

Deportation enforcement was a big priority for Trump’s first term, and a new ICE memo (January 31, 2025) suggests stricter policies are coming.

What You Can Do:

• Always carry copies of your immigration documents (physical & digital).
• If ICE detains you, immediately tell them you have a pending application.
• If you’re helping law enforcement, request expedited processing.
• If you're waiting for a decision on your application, consider taking legal action to expedite your case and get BFD or waitlist status.

For more details, read our full guide.

Steps You Should Take Right Now

Get Your Work Permit and Deferred Action

If you qualify for work authorization or deferred action, apply ASAP. Delays or restrictions could make getting a permit much harder in the future.

File a Lawsuit If Your Case Is Not Moving Forward

If your case has been sitting in limbo, a lawsuit could push USCIS to act in as little as 60 days.

• Lawsuits work—many immigrants have won approvals this way. At Pro Se Pro, we’ve helped more than 2,400 individuals and families.
• USCIS cannot retaliate against you for suing.

Track Your Case with Pro Se Pro’s Tools

Not sure where you stand? Our "When Is Your U Visa Coming?" tool gives you access to exclusive USCIS data to predict your wait time.

If you’re waiting for any other application type, check if you’re eligible to file a lawsuit to speed up your case.

Don’t Wait—Take Action Now

Trump’s policies will bring delays and stricter enforcement. Waiting could mean losing access to work permits, facing longer delays, or struggling to reunite with family.

Being proactive—securing work authorization, filing lawsuits to move cases forward, and exploring legal options—can help protect you from sudden policy shifts.

At Pro Se Pro, we’re here to make the legal process easier. If you want to take control of your immigration case, take our eligibility quiz today and see if legal action could speed things up.

Stay informed, stay prepared, and don’t let policy changes leave you behind.

‍