Trump Administration Shuts Down Immigration Helpdesk, Leaving H-1B & Green Card Applicants in Limbo
In a significant move that has stirred concern across the immigration community, the Trump administration has disbanded the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman—a dedicated helpdesk that served as a critical resource for H-1B visa holders, F-1 students, and green card applicants.
What Was the CIS Ombudsman?
The CIS Ombudsman office acted as an independent intermediary for applicants facing issues like USCIS delays, administrative errors, and unfair denials. In 2023 alone, it processed over 30,000 individual service requests, often resolving complex cases that USCIS had overlooked or mishandled.
Who Is Affected?
This change will heavily impact:
H-1B visa holders stuck in processing delays
F-1 OPT/CPT students facing work authorization issues
Employment-based green card applicants
The Indian immigrant community, which forms a significant share of these categories
Why Was It Disbanded?
While no detailed explanation has been provided, experts believe the shutdown is part of broader immigration policy shifts under Trump’s leadership that aim to reduce federal oversight and streamline agency autonomy—often at the cost of transparency and support for applicants.
What Does This Mean for You?
Without this office:
There’s no direct way to escalate your case outside the USCIS system
Expect longer wait times and fewer error corrections
There’s reduced accountability for USCIS decisions
How Gandhi Immigration Can Help
At Gandhi Immigration, we understand how overwhelming U.S. immigration can be—especially in uncertain times like these. Our services are designed to:
✅ Help you avoid costly application errors
✅ Track & follow up on your USCIS cases
✅ Guide you through complex immigration issues
✅ Provide timely updates on policy changes
Contact us today for a free consultation and personalized support.
