The United States has reportedly begun detaining foreign nationals with expired visas at airports across the country, expanding immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, according to The New York Times.
Officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have reportedly carried out arrests at check-in counters, boarding gates and arrival terminals in at least 15 airports in recent weeks.
Those reportedly affected include:
- Spouses of U.S. citizens.
- Skilled foreign workers awaiting visa extensions.
- Former exchange visitors.
Migrants with pending immigration applications, including asylum seekers and applicants for permanent residency through marriage.
A spokesperson for the United States Department of Homeland Security defended the enforcement, saying the administration is working to ensure that people who are in the country illegally “can no longer fly unless it is out of our country to self-deport.”
However, DHS did not confirm whether a formal nationwide airport enforcement programme has been introduced.
According to the report, the White House has also increased pressure on ICE to boost immigration arrests, with Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin reportedly setting a target of about 2,000 immigration arrests per day.
Immigration lawyers told The New York Times that the enforcement has affected clients from more than a dozen countries, including people with pending asylum claims, work visa renewals and family-based permanent residency applications.
For travellers, the report indicates that having a pending immigration application may not necessarily prevent enforcement if their underlying visa has expired. Individuals concerned about their immigration status are generally advised to seek legal advice before travelling within or departing the United States.
