In a reassuring message to immigrants across the U.S., prominent immigration attorney LaToya McBean-Pompy, Esq., has addressed growing fears about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests during U.S. citizenship interviews.
Taking to Instagram (@mcbeanimmigrationlaw), McBean-Pompy clarified that while isolated incidents have made headlines, ICE is not arresting everyone who attends their naturalization interview.
“Yes, we heard one or two stories over the last few months about people who were caught completely off guard… But this is not happening to most everyone else,” McBean-Pompy said in a video post.
Public Anxiety After Recent Arrests
Concerns have risen in immigrant communities following reports of individuals being detained by ICE during their U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) interviews.
Though these cases are rare, they’ve fueled anxiety, particularly among undocumented immigrants and lawful permanent residents with past legal infractions.
McBean-Pompy, founder of McBean Immigration Law, explained that most applicants have nothing to worry about, especially if they have a clean immigration record or minor infractions.
Legal Advice: Know Before You Apply
Despite the general reassurance, McBean-Pompy issued an important cautionary note:
“If there’s any reason on your record for you to be concerned about whether you might be arrested or not… speak with a professional about it before you even apply.”
Her advice is clear: consult an experienced immigration attorney before beginning the naturalization process if there’s any uncertainty about your record or previous immigration violations.
This is especially critical in light of increased scrutiny under evolving immigration policies, including remnants of Trump-era enforcement priorities.
Fast Approvals Still Happening
McBean-Pompy also shared a positive trend many applicants may not be aware of — naturalization cases are being approved quickly:
“They are approving citizenship these days, and they’re approving these cases very, very quickly.”
This update offers a sense of hope and relief for immigrants eager to complete the citizenship process without undue fear.
Rebuilding Trust Through Facts
McBean-Pompy’s post underscores the importance of distinguishing anecdotal fears from systemic trends. Her message is especially important for immigrants navigating the U.S. legal system in a climate where misinformation spreads quickly online, often leading to unnecessary panic.
As a seasoned legal professional and immigrant advocate, McBean-Pompy regularly shares insights and updates related to U.S. immigration policy, legal rights, and case processing trends through her online platforms.
📌 Need-to-Know: ICE & Naturalization Interviews
- ICE can legally arrest individuals at USCIS appointments, but this is extremely rare.
- Consulting an attorney is critical if you’ve had prior immigration violations, criminal convictions, or removal orders.
- Most applicants with clean records are not at risk and are being approved swiftly.
