This week’s biggest headline from the Department of Homeland Security is a groundbreaking final rule issued on September 5th, fundamentally expanding the enforcement authority of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. For the first time, USCIS—once mainly an immigration benefits agency—is now empowered to conduct investigations, issue detainers, make arrests, and even execute search warrants under both civil and criminal immigration law. DHS officials say the move is intended to ramp up enforcement against those living in the U.S. without valid status, targeting threats like immigration benefit fraud and unlawful entry, and shifting the overall mission to prioritize public safety. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin described it as a “win for the safety of Americans and the rule of law,” signaling a new era where law enforcement, not just administrative review, is central to immigration services.

These changes follow a year of swift regulatory updates. The Spring 2025 regulatory agenda included revoking prior restrictions on enforcement at workplaces, introducing more thorough screening—now including social media reviews—and a return of alien registration requirements for certain immigrants. H-1B visa processing shifted to a beneficiary-centric selection, aiming to halt multiple lottery registrations and streamline legitimate extensions. Asylum application fees have also been implemented, creating new financial considerations for migrants and those aiding them.

DHS’s latest Homeland Threat Assessment, released just days ago, underscores these shifts, outlining top challenges like evolving terrorist threats, complex border situations, cyber incursions, and strategic competition from hostile states. More pointedly, DHS just scored a major legal victory in the Supreme Court, allowing removal operations targeting criminal illegal aliens to resume in Los Angeles. Officials insist there are no indiscriminate raids, emphasizing actions remain focused on lawful enforcement based on reasonable suspicion.

In the wake of these enforcement pushes, Secretary Kristi Noem announced the ending of Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelan nationals, effective September 10th. The department is also launching multiagency efforts against immigration fraud, expanding fee modernization with electronic payments, and restoring rigorous vetting for all benefit applicants—including consequences for submitting false information.

What does this mean for Americans and stakeholders? For citizens, DHS claims expanded enforcement boosts safety and strengthens the rule of law. Employers and organizations should take note of new compliance requirements, from stricter workplace enforcement to updates in hiring foreign workers. State and local governments face direct partnership—and sometimes tension—with federal authorities as neighborhood checks for naturalization and operations in sanctuary jurisdictions return. Internationally, these moves may affect U.S. relations with nations whose citizens are subject to removal or new registration rules.

There’s a clear message from DHS: “We will enforce all laws without fear or favor,” according to Assistant Secretary McLaughlin. Listeners wishing to engage can comment on upcoming proposed rules through September 27th and track updates at the DHS and USCIS official websites. Employers should review compliance guidance with legal experts to avoid costly violations as rules evolve.

Looking forward, watch for further rulemakings on foreign student visas, planned for public comment this month, and be alert for new enforcement actions in major cities. For more updates, check DHS and USCIS newsroom pages or contact your local field office. Be proactive—know your rights and responsibilities, and participate in public comment opportunities if you want your voice heard.

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