Story perspectives

Trump Administration Ends Remote Attorney Participation in Immigration Interviews

4/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Trump administration under U.S. President Donald Trump will end remote attorney participation in immigration interviews, effective May 18.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires attorneys to be physically present for interviews, including asylum cases.
The policy reverses pandemic-era rules that allowed remote attendance and access to counsel.
Critics, including law professor Bennett Gershman, say the change burdens applicants and undermines due process.

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Story summary

The Trump administration under U.S. President Donald Trump will end remote attorney participation in immigration interviews, effective May 18.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires attorneys to be physically present for interviews, including asylum cases.
The policy reverses pandemic-era rules that allowed remote attendance and access to counsel.
Critics, including law professor Bennett Gershman, say the change burdens applicants and undermines due process.