Amid rising concerns in immigrant communities, LaToya McBean-Pompy, Esq., a well-known immigration attorney and founder of McBean Immigration Law, has offered a critical clarification: ICE is not systematically arresting individuals at their U.S. citizenship interviews.
In a recent post shared on her official Instagram account (@mcbeanimmigrationlaw), McBean-Pompy addressed growing fears sparked by isolated reports of ICE agents detaining applicants at naturalization interviews. While such arrests have occurred in rare circumstances, McBean-Pompy emphasized that these are not reflective of standard U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) procedures.
“ICE is not arresting everyone at their citizenship interview,” McBean-Pompy stated. “We heard one or two stories over the last few months… but this is not happening to most everyone else.”
Legal Caution Still Necessary
Despite her reassurances, McBean-Pompy urged caution for applicants who may have prior legal or immigration issues in their background. She strongly advised individuals to consult an experienced immigration attorney before applying for naturalization if there is any doubt about potential enforcement risks.
“If there’s any reason on your record for you to be concerned… speak with a professional about it before you even apply,” she said.
Her guidance echoes the long-standing principle in immigration law practice: pre-screening is essential to prevent adverse outcomes during the naturalization process.
Approvals Are Increasing and Processing Times Improving
In a positive development, McBean-Pompy also noted that USCIS is currently processing and approving citizenship applications at an accelerated rate.
“They’re approving these cases very, very quickly,” she added.
This reflects broader trends in USCIS case management, particularly as the agency seeks to reduce pandemic-era backlogs and improve efficiency.
The Legal Landscape
Under certain circumstances, ICE has the authority to arrest individuals who appear for USCIS interviews, particularly if they are subject to outstanding removal orders, criminal convictions, or other serious immigration violations. However, according to legal experts, such enforcement actions remain rare and are typically the result of flagged records rather than random selection.
The reports of arrests at naturalization interviews have drawn criticism from civil rights advocates, who argue that using USCIS appointments as enforcement traps undermines trust in the immigration system. However, McBean-Pompy’s statements offer critical context: the majority of naturalization applicants are not at risk, and most are navigating the system successfully.
Legal Takeaways for Immigrants
- Know your record: Anyone with prior immigration violations, criminal convictions, or removal proceedings should seek legal advice before filing Form N-400.
- Don’t assume the worst: Arrests at interviews are not standard practice and should not deter eligible lawful permanent residents from applying.
- Processing improvements: USCIS has been streamlining case approvals, with many naturalization applicants receiving timely decisions.
About LaToya McBean-Pompy, Esq.
LaToya McBean-Pompy is a New York-based immigration attorney known for her legal advocacy and accessible guidance through social media. Her firm, McBean Immigration Law, has become a trusted resource for immigrants seeking clarity on U.S. immigration policies, especially during shifting enforcement climates.
