The United States of America has been responding to the COVID-19 issue by creating major changes in different sectors in the country and in the immigration system, says an article.

Here are some of the changes in the immigration system of the country that are made recently by the government:

Changes in the Immigration Enforcement Operations of ICE

As of March 18, the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement revealed to congressional staffers that it had temporarily changed its enforcement posture. This change in operations was a result of the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. According to the agency, they will put their focus on those people who are a great threat to public safety. They will also center their focus on illegal immigrants who are subject to mandatory detention due to criminal actions.

More Immigration Courts are Closed by the DOJ

As of March 18. The Department of Justice had added ten more to the total count of closed immigration courts. The postponement of the operations of these courts will be in effect until April 10. Also, they had postponed the hearings of immigrants who are not in detention.

Admission of Refugees is Paused

As of March 18, the United States temporarily stopped the admission of refugees. The decision was made after the International Organization for Migration, the one with the responsibility of booking the travels of refugees, and the United Nations' refugee agency had announced the suspension of resettlement travel. It is expected to take effect from March 19 to April 6.

Suspension of deportation flights by ICE

As of March 18, ICE had cancelled flights going to China, Italy, and South Korea. Despite these changes, ICE is still deporting immigrants. However, these immigrants are tasked to undergo a temperature check. Those with temperatures above 100.4 degrees are referred to a medical service provider.

Suspension of USCIS in-person Services

As of March 17, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services had released a statement saying that it is temporarily postponing its in-person serives. These services include interviews, naturalization ceremonies. The suspension is its response to the growing concerns involved with the COVID-19 crisis.


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The USCIS is the one responsible for administrering the country's legal immigration system. Their responsibilities include those involving the grant of green cards, citizenship, and asylum and refugee application processing. The suspension of their services is until April 1.

Rescheduling in-Person Check-Ins by ICE

As of March 17, Ice notified congressional staffer that it will reschedule in-person appointments of immigratnt who are not in detention. It is part of ICE's plan to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country.

Temporary Suspension to Social Visitation at ICE Detention Facilities

As of March 13, ICE revealed that it had stopped social visitation in all of its detention facilities. Previously, the agency announced that the protocols it had placed are in accordance with the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This move aims to provide protection to the agency's staff and all of its detainees.