The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a major change in its role within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Under a final rule published, the agency has been granted expanded law enforcement authority, marking a historic shift in how USCIS operates.

A new class of officers, designated as 1811 special agents, will now have full federal law enforcement powers. These agents will be able to investigate immigration-related crimes, make arrests for civil and non-civil immigration and non-immigration violations, carry firearms, and execute search and arrest warrants.

A Major Shift in USCIS’ Role

USCIS has long been known as the agency responsible for processing immigration benefits such as citizenship, visas, and green cards. With this new rule, however, DHS ha

See Full Page