• Source:JND
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The Trump administration has come under fire after reportedly placing the staff of the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman on a 60-day administrative leave, effectively disabling the independent immigration helpdesk that served thousands of applicants annually. The move, made public on March 21, was taken by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), sparking fears among legal experts that it signals the administration’s intent to dismantle the vital oversight body.

Lifeline for Visa and Green Card Applicants

The CIS Ombudsman’s Office played a crucial role in assisting H-1B visa holders, international students on F-1 visas, and green card applicants—many from the Indian diaspora. The office helped individuals and employers resolve issues with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), including application delays, technical errors, and disputes. In 2023, the office handled close to 30,000 cases, according to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).

Reduced Transparency And Accountability

Immigration attorneys warn that the office’s closure will significantly reduce transparency and accountability within USCIS. Without the Ombudsman, individuals struggling with immigration paperwork and decisions may have little recourse or neutral support. “The CIS Ombudsman served as an essential watchdog, helping thousands navigate a complex and often opaque immigration system,” said a representative from AILA. “Its removal could lead to unchecked administrative power, leaving immigrants without an impartial ally.”

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Redirecting Applicants To Congress and NGOs

With the helpdesk offline, immigrants are now being told to contact their congressional representatives or seek assistance from advocacy groups. However, these alternatives do not have the same authority or direct communication channels with USCIS, potentially leaving many applicants stuck in limbo.

Role In Systemic Reform Lost

Beyond assisting individuals, the Ombudsman’s Office identified systemic flaws in immigration procedures and provided recommendations to USCIS for improvements. Its elimination not only affects individual applicants but also removes a critical mechanism for policy feedback and administrative reform.

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Advocates Call for Restoration

The move has been strongly criticised by AILA and other immigrant rights organisations, who are calling for the reinstatement of the Ombudsman’s Office. They argue that now, more than ever, immigrants need a neutral party to ensure fairness and accountability in the system.
For now, the future of the CIS Ombudsman remains unclear. What is clear, however, is that its absence will have a profound impact on thousands who relied on its guidance, especially during an era of increased immigration scrutiny and complex visa processing.