The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recently placed staff from the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman on administrative leave, effectively halting its operations. This office has been instrumental in assisting immigrants with issues related to visa and green card applications.

Current Situation

As of March 21, 2025, DHS has put the entire staff of the USCIS Ombudsman office on a 60-day administrative leave, a move that also affects two other oversight offices. While not an official closure, this suspension suggests potential restructuring or closure.

Role of the Ombudsman Office

Established under the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the CIS Ombudsman office was designed to assist with resolving issues with USCIS, identify recurring problems, and recommend improvements for immigration benefit processing. DHS claims this move aims to streamline operations, focusing more on border security and immigration enforcement.

Impact on Immigrants

The suspension significantly affects various immigrant groups:

• H-1B Visa Holders: Previously relied on the Ombudsman for resolving application delays.
• International Students: Sought assistance for issues with Optional Practical Training (OPT) applications.
• Green Card Applicants: Benefited from help with stalled applications due to processing errors.

In 2023, the Ombudsman office handled approximately 30,000 requests, addressing issues like incorrect rejections and document errors.

Current Implications

With the office on leave, pending cases may remain unresolved. Immigrants with urgent issues are advised to:

• Contact Congressional Representatives: They can inquire about cases on behalf of constituents.
• Consult Immigration Attorneys: Legal advice is crucial for navigating complex situations.
• Maintain Detailed Records: Keep track of all communications with USCIS.
• Consider Premium Processing: If applicable, this can expedite applications.

Legal and Broader Context

While no direct lawsuits have been filed against the suspension, related legal actions are in progress:

• Nonprofit Lawsuits: Organizations are challenging DHS’s decision to freeze funding for immigration services.
• Legal Aid Program Suspensions: Advocacy groups are contesting halted programs that offer legal resources to immigrants.

Legal experts anticipate further lawsuits, focusing on the broader implications of these office suspensions on immigrants’ rights.

Boundless Immigration will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.