U.S. Department of Homeland Security Updates
Key Terms
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency whose work includes customs, border, and immigration enforcement, emergency response to natural and manmade disasters, antiterrorism work, and cybersecurity.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal agency under DHS that prevents people from entering the country illegally or bringing anything harmful or illegal into the United States.
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal agency under DHS that enforces federal laws governing border control, customs, trade, and immigration.
- Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is the DHS program that administers the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). It ensures that government agencies have essential data related to nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors to preserve national security. SEVP provides approval and oversight to schools authorized to enroll F and M nonimmigrant students and gives guidance to both schools and students about the requirements for maintaining their status.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for processing immigration and naturalization applications and establishing policies regarding immigration services.
- Due to the number of updates related to USCIS, we have created a separate page related to USCIS updates.
- Click here to read more about USCIS Immigration Policy Updates.
Current Updates
From
DHS Press Release on March 10, 2025:
"Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is launching the CBP Home app with a self-deportation reporting feature for aliens illegally in the country. Aliens should use the CBP Home mobile phone application to submit their intent to depart as indicated below..."You should consult an immigration attorney if you have further questions or are considering using the self-deport function.
Important Notes
- Travelers will need a passport or REAL ID compliant driver license or state ID for domestic air travel starting on May 7, 2025
- REAL ID requirements may affect what identification documents are acceptable for Social Security Number (SSN) applications.
- From the Texas REAL ID page: "Your current Texas driver license or ID is REAL ID-compliant if it has a gold star in the top right corner. If it doesn’t have a gold star, you’ll get the gold star on your next renewal or request a replacement card."
Additional Resources
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to search electronic devices—including phones, laptops, tablets and other electronic devices—of anyone entering the U.S., including both U.S. citizens and non-citizens. CBP may access personal, confidential and sensitive data. If you refuse to provide access, your device may be seized. Visa holders may be denied entry to the United States if they refuse to provide access. Additional information can be found at https://www.cbp.gov/travel/cbp-search-authority/border-search-electronic-devices.
This website is not intended to serve as legal advice and is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney. If you are experiencing legal issues related to your immigration record, please consult an experienced immigration lawyer or recognized/accredited organization or representative for legal advice or for legal assistance. If you're not sure where to begin with finding an attorney, then check the ISSS Legal Resources page.
