Immigration Policy Under Trump: Delays and Legislative Pushback

Under the second Trump administration, a significant backlog of immigration applications has emerged, leaving millions of immigrants in legal limbo and at heightened risk of deportation. As of early 2026, nearly 12 million applications for immigration services, including citizenship and work permits, are pending with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This backlog has increased by 2 million in just the first year of Trump's second term, surpassing the total increase during his first term. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has cited national security as a reason for the slowdown, implementing stricter vetting processes and pausing reviews for certain applications, particularly those from countries on a travel ban list.

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The delays in processing applications have led to significant anxiety among immigrants and their legal representatives. Immigration attorney Luis Cortes Romero noted that clients are often left uncertain about the status of their applications, with some waiting up to eight months for acknowledgment from USCIS. This uncertainty can lead to deportation proceedings, as immigration judges may require proof of pending applications that the agency has not yet confirmed. Renata Castro, another immigration attorney, emphasized the challenges faced by clients who are pressured by judges to produce documentation that the government has failed to provide.

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Critics of the Trump administration's immigration policies argue that the backlog and delays are part of a broader strategy to restrict legal immigration. David Bier from the Cato Institute described the administration's approach as focused on deportations rather than facilitating legal status adjustments. Elizabeth Jacobs from the Center for Immigration Studies acknowledged the concerns surrounding high backlogs but argued that increased scrutiny of applications is necessary to prevent fraud.

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In a notable legislative move, the House of Representatives passed a bill aimed at reinstating Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian immigrants, countering Trump's efforts to end these protections. The bill, led by Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley, received bipartisan support, with ten Republicans joining Democrats in favor of the measure. The legislation aims to protect Haitian nationals from deportation amid ongoing crises in Haiti, which has been deemed unsafe for return by various lawmakers. However, the White House has indicated that Trump would veto the bill if it reaches his desk.

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The immigration landscape remains contentious, with conflicting reports on the effectiveness and implications of current policies. While some argue that the administration's measures are necessary for national security, others contend that they disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. As the legislative battle continues, the future of TPS and the backlog of immigration applications will likely remain central issues in U.S. immigration policy discussions.

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• “That is a really incredible representation of what this administration is trying to do when it comes to immigration.” — David Bier, Director of Immigration Studies, Cato Institute

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• “The stakes could not be higher,” — Ayanna Pressley, U.S. Representative

• “This whole thing is a scam.” — Randy Fine, Florida State Representative

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The ongoing developments in immigration policy under the Trump administration highlight the complexities and challenges faced by immigrants and lawmakers alike, as they navigate a system marked by delays and contentious political debates.

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