Visa Overstay Crackdown: DHS Orders Aggressive Immigration Review
At the direction of Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, U.S. immigration agencies — including CBP, ICE, and USCIS — have begun a coordinated crackdown on visa overstays, following a violent terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado.
The action was prompted by the arrest of Mohammed Sabry Solima, a 45-year-old Egyptian national who overstayed his visa and has been unlawfully present in the U.S. since 2022. Solima is now facing federal hate crime charges and multiple state felony charges after reportedly setting several Americans on fire in a hate-motivated attack.
Secretary Noem stated:
“There is NO room in the United States for the rest of the world’s terrorist sympathizers. Anyone who thinks they can come to America and advocate for antisemitic violence and terrorism – think again. You are not welcome here. We will find you, deport you, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
This marks a significant escalation in immigration enforcement, with a particular focus on identifying and removing those who have overstayed their lawful entry.
What If You’ve Already Filed for a Green Card?
If you have submitted a pending green card application (Adjustment of Status), this development may feel alarming — but here’s what you need to know:
Those with pending immigration cases are not the primary targets of this enforcement action, especially if your application was properly filed and you are complying with all USCIS requests and appointments.
Key Action Items:
- Keep all USCIS receipt notices and biometrics/interview appointment letters easily accessible.
- Make sure your address is current with USCIS.
- Stay informed about the status of your case via the USCIS Case Status Tool.
- If you receive any Request for Evidence (RFE) or appointment notice, respond promptly and consult with your attorney.
What If You Are a Visa Overstay?
This policy shift especially targets individuals who entered the U.S. legally (on tourist, student, or work visas) but remained after their visa expired. If that describes your situation, you must act now — before enforcement reaches you.
⚠️ DHS and ICE will be:
- Reviewing entry/exit records
- Initiating removal proceedings
- Coordinating with local law enforcement for arrests
But you may still have options:
- Asylum, if you fear returning to your country of origin
- VAWA relief, if you’ve been abused by a U.S. citizen or lawful resident
- U Visa, for victims of serious crimes
- T Visa, for victims of Sex trafficking and labor trafficking
- Marriage-based adjustment of status
What You Should Do Now:
- Schedule a immigration consultation immediately in our Fayetteville, NC or Fuquay-varina, NC offices. We also have consultations available via Zoom or Phone.
- Gather documents: visa, entry record, ID, evidence of U.S. ties or hardships
- Do not ignore your status — taking early action can save you from arrest or removal
How We Can Help
At the Law Office of Dahlia Castillo, we are committed to protecting immigrant families and helping clients find lawful solutions to their immigration issues. We provide legal assistance in Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, Fuquay-Varina, Sanford, Smithfield, Selma, Spring Lake, Lillington, Angier, Wake County, Cumberland County, Harnett County
🗣️ Hablamos Español – Spanish-speaking services available
Whether you need help with:
- A pending green card application
- Defense against deportation
- Exploring humanitarian relief
- Filing an immigration petition
—we’re here to guide and support you.
