Increased Immigration Enforcement Under Trump: Immediate Removal After Visa Revocation and Heightened Review for Green Card Holders

Within the first 100 days of President Trump’s return to office, U.S. immigration authorities have taken two significant enforcement actions.

On April 26, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued an internal memorandum authorizing officers to immediately terminate nonimmigrant status and initiate removal proceedings upon visa revocation. Just three days later, on April 29, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a strong public statement reaffirming its commitment to monitoring the social media activity of green card and visa holders for content that may present national security concerns.

Green Cards No Longer Offer Absolute Protection

Many believe that once they obtain a green card, their immigration status is secure. However, recent developments demonstrate that lawful permanent residents may still be subject to re-evaluation—and potential revocation—based on their conduct and public statements.

In March 2025, USCIS published a proposed rule that would require applicants for permanent residency, naturalization, and asylum to disclose all social media accounts and usernames used over the past five years. While the rule is still pending, the agency has made its enforcement direction clear: social media screening is rapidly becoming a standard component of immigration adjudication.

Initially, the proposed rule targeted only new applicants. However, the scope now appears to be expanding. Even individuals who already hold green cards or valid visas may be subject to retroactive review.

In early April, USCIS clarified that it will focus particularly on content involving hate speech, extremism, or associations with terrorist organizations.

On April 29, USCIS posted a warning across major platforms—including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn—reminding immigrants to “act like guests,” and emphasizing that the agency has sophisticated tools to monitor online activity. This includes not only public posts, but also likes, comments, and prior interactions.

Possessing a visa or green card no longer guarantees protection. Inappropriate online behavior may result in visa denials, revocation of benefits, or termination of immigration status.

Visa Revocation May Lead to Immediate Removal

The ICE memorandum, submitted by the U.S. Department of Justice to a federal court on April 29 as part of ongoing litigation, outlines sweeping changes to enforcement procedures. Under the policy, if the U.S. Department of State revokes a nonimmigrant visa (such as F-1 or J-1), ICE and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) may immediately terminate the individual’s SEVIS record and initiate removal proceedings—without prior notice or a hearing.

Previously, visa revocation and lawful presence in the United States were treated as separate issues. An individual could remain legally in the U.S. even after their visa expired or was revoked. Now, however, the revocation of a visa may automatically render one’s status invalid, triggering expedited removal.

The memo authorizes ICE and SEVP to terminate status under various circumstances, including but not limited to:

Exceeding the allowable unemployment period under OPT or STEM OPT
Denial of a change-of-status application (e.g., from F-1 to H-1B)
Failure to maintain enrollment or taking a leave of absence without authorization
Poor attendance or academic progress
Criminal convictions, including misdemeanors such as DUI
Being flagged by the State Department as a potential national security or public safety risk

The memorandum further emphasizes that the Department of State may revoke a nonimmigrant visa “at any time and for any reason.” This shift underscores the need for all visa holders—including international students, foreign employees, and long-term residents—to proactively evaluate their immigration risk exposure.

Compliance Steps for Individuals and Employers

One of the most concerning aspects of these enforcement measures is that they take effect immediately—without the need for congressional approval or final rulemaking. Even if ultimately deemed unlawful by the courts, litigation often takes months, leaving a critical “enforcement window” during which individuals may already be removed or lose their status.

What can be done now to reduce risk?

For Individuals:

Ensure your SEVIS or USCIS record reflects an active and lawful status
Do not exceed unemployment limits under OPT/STEM OPT; report employer changes promptly
If a change-of-status petition is denied, seek legal guidance to restore status immediately
Refrain from posting or engaging with politically sensitive or inflammatory content online
If you have a DUI or other criminal record, consult with an attorney regarding potential immigration consequences

For Employers:

Regularly verify work authorization and status validity for all foreign national employees
Maintain accurate I-9 documentation, E-Verify records, and employment agreements
If an employee is involved in a criminal case, online controversy, or visa-related issue, conduct a risk assessment promptly
If contacted by ICE or served with a notice to appear or removal order, engage immigration counsel immediately to mitigate exposure

Disclaimer: The materials provided on this website are for general informational purposes only and do not, and are not intended to, constitute legal advice. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any information provided here. Please consult with your own legal counsel regarding your specific situation and legal questions.

Anna Sun, Esq. is the Partner and Head of Immigration at ILS. She has over a decade of experience in business immigration, transactions, and foreign investment.

She provides comprehensive guidance on U.S. business immigration, assisting global employers in recruiting and retaining foreign executives and skilled professionals. Anna specializes in H, L, E2, TN, O, EB1, and PERM cases, serving clients in technology, biotech, telecommunications, entertainment, animation, education, and logistics.

Email: contact@consultils.com | Phone: 626-344-8949