U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued new policy memorandum on issuance of notice to appear (NTA) and putting individuals into removal proceedings. An NTA is a document that instructs an individual to appear before an immigration judge. This is the first step in starting removal proceedings.

Starting Oct. 1, 2018, USCIS may issue NTAs on denied status-impacting applications, including but not limited to adjustment of status and extend/change nonimmigrant status applications.

USCIS will send denial letters for status-impacting applications that ensures benefit seekers are provided adequate notice when an application for a benefit is denied. If applicants are no longer in a period of authorized stay, and do not depart the United States, USCIS may issue an NTA.

USCIS will continue to prioritize cases of individuals with criminal records, fraud, or national security concerns.