Express Income Tax Services LLC
AKM Borhan Masud, CEO
1578 Broadway (2nd Floor), Buffalo, NY 14212
Website: www.https://buffalounity.com/
Email: masud.exin@gmail.com
Phone: (646) 289-2775, (716) 519-0878
What you need to know about the Recent changes and updates in tax return filing in USA for individuals in 2025–2026
At a Glance for Filing in 2026
✔ Filing starts on Jan. 26, 2026, & closes on Apr 15, 2026
✔ New deductions and tax breaks under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
✔ Higher standard deductions and adjusted tax brackets
✔ Free File remains, but Direct File is discontinued
✔ Refund timing may shift due to verification and paper check phase-out
✔ IRS tools and updated schedules (like Schedule 1-A) for new provisions
Changes in Details
1. Commencement & Closing of 2026 Tax Filing Season
The IRS opened the 2026 tax filing season on January 26, 2026. with the regular deadline on April 15, 2026.
2. Major Tax Law Changes:
One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)
One of the major developments is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025. This law makes many tax provisions permanent that were previously set to expire and introduces new deductions and credits that affect your 2025 return (filed in 2026) and future years.
Highlights:
Lower taxes and preserved lower tax rates: Many reductions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are now permanent or extended.
New and expanded deductions:
No tax on certain tips,
No tax on overtime pay for qualifying workers
New deduction for interest on qualifying personal auto loans (subject to IRS rules).
Extra deduction for seniors (up to $6,000 single, $12,000 joint) through 2028.
3. Child Tax Credit for Tax Year 2025
Maximum Credit Per Child: Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under age 17
Refundable Portion (ACTC): Up to $1,700 per child (maximum you can get as a refund if your tax bill is zero)
Income Phaseout Thresholds: Full credit phases out starting at $200,000 (single) / $400,000 (joint) MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income)
Phaseout Rate: Credit reduced by $50 for every $1,000 above the income limits
Social Security Requirement: Child must have a valid SSN by the deadline; at least one parent with a work-eligible SSN may also be required under updated rules
4. Maximum EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) Amounts for Tax Year 2025
Number of Qualifying Children, | Maximum EITC 2025 |
|---|---|
No qualifying children: | $649 |
1 qualifying child: | $4,328 |
2 qualifying children: | $7,152 |
3 or more qualifying children: | $8,046.00 |
5. Inflation Adjustments & Bracket Changes
Each year, the IRS adjusts key tax amounts for inflation. For 2026 tax filing (2025 tax year returns), these include:
Higher standard deductions: Slight inflation increases compared with 2025 amounts.
Wider tax brackets: Helps prevent “bracket creep” where inflation pushes taxpayers into higher rates.
Free Income thresholds: Standard deductions for 2025 tax returns (filed in 2026) are approximately:
$15,750 (single), $31,500 (married filing jointly), $23,625 (head of household).
6. Free Filing Program Changes
The IRS ended its Direct File program for the 2026 season, which previously allowed taxpayers to file directly with the IRS at no cost.
7. W-2 and Records Timing
Employers must provide W-2s by early February 2026 (since Jan 31 fell on a weekend),
So better to file once you have all your documents.
8. Refund Timing and Process
Normally Refunds are expected after the filing season opens, but most electronic refunds arrive within 21 days if there are no issues.
IRS may hold refunds tied to Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Additional Child Tax Credit until mid-February for verification.
Refunds should be issued through direct deposit instead of Paper refund checks by mail, and for that reason bank account information must be provided accurately.
9. Other Changes
The IRS continues to focus on electronic services (Free File, Fillable Forms, MilTax) and taxpayer tools.
All income (including gig, online sales, digital assets) must be reported properly; taxpayers must answer the digital-asset question on Form 1040.
The IRS encourages preparing early with organized records to avoid mistakes or processing delays.
Thank You
What is the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA)?
The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) is a treaty between Canada and the United States (US).
The STCA was established to manage the flow of refugee claimants at the shared land border and explains who is permitted to seek asylum.
What does the Safe Third Country Agreement do?
The Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) explains who might be unable to make a refugee claim in Canada if you come from the United States (US).
The STCA states that “refugee claimants are required to request refugee protection in the first safe country they arrive in unless they qualify for an exception to the Agreement” because the US is considered a safe country.
Where does the Safe Third Country Agreement apply?
According to the Steps to Justice website, the STCA applies to arrivals to Canada from the United States (US):
at land border crossings
after crossing between ports of entry and making a refugee claim less than 14 days after entering Canada
by plane, though only if they are under a removal order after a rejected refugee claim in the US
Are there exceptions to the Safe Third Country Agreement?
If the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA) applies when trying to enter Canada, there may still be an option to make a refugee claim if the person meets the exception criteria and no claim was made in the US.
There are exceptions if a person:
has an eligible family member in Canada,
is an unaccompanied minor under the age of 18,
is a document holder, for example, a valid Canadian visa or permit,
has been charged with or convicted of a crime for which they could get the death penalty in the US or another country, also called a public interest exception.
In addition to meeting the exception criteria, a person must meet all other refugee claim requirements when making a claim.
The Steps to Justice website explains that if a claim doesn’t meet one of the exceptions to the STCA, a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer will escort the person back to the US Port of Entry, and a US Customs and Border Patrol official will decide what happens next.
USCIS EAD Category Codes
USCIS only allows some EAD categories to keep working even after EAD expiry if you have filed the extension before the current EAD approval expires.
Automatic 180 EAD extension allowed for A03, A05, A07, A08, A10, C08, C09, C10, C16, C20, C22, C24, C31 and A12 or C19.
| Code | EAD Code Eligibility | 180-Day Automatic Extension? |
|---|---|---|
| A02 | A lawful temporary resident under sections 245A or 210 of the INA | N |
| A03 | Refugee | Y |
| A04 | Paroled as refugee | N |
| A05 | Asylee (granted asylum) | Y |
| A06 |
| N |
| A07 |
| Y |
| A08 | Citizen of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau admitted as a non-immigrant | Y |
| A09 |
| N |
| A10 | Granted Withholding of Deportation or Removal | Y |
| A11 | Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) | N |
| A12 | Temporary Protected Status (TPS) granted under 8 CFR 244.12 | Y |
| A13 | IMMACT Family Unity beneficiary (Section 301 of the Immigration Act of 1990) | N |
| A14 | LIFE Act Family Unity beneficiary (Section 1504 of the Legal Immigrant Family Equity (LIFE) Act Amendments) | N |
| A15 |
| N |
| A16 | T-1 nonimmigrant (victims of a severe form of trafficking) | N |
| A17 |
| N |
| A18 | L-2 spouse of an L-1 intracompany transfer (L-1: Individuals in the U.S. who have been transferred from a subsidiary, affiliate, or branch office overseas to the U.S. to work in an executive, managerial or specialized knowledge capacity | Y No need to file EAD. Can work using L2 i94. |
| A19 | U-1 nonimmigrant (victims of certain criminal activity) | N |
| A20 |
| N |
| C01 | Dependents of A-1 or A-2 foreign government official | N |
| C02 | Dependent of TECRO (Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office) E-1 non-immigrant) | N |
| C03A | Pre-completion OPT F-1 students | N |
| C03B | Post-completion OPT F-1 students | N |
| C03C | 24-month extension for Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) OPT students | N |
| C03(ii) | F-1 student offered off-campus employment under the Sponsorship of Qualifying International Organization | N |
| C03(iii) | F-1 student seeking off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship | N |
| C04 | Spouse or unmarried dependent child of G-1, G-3, or G-4 nonimmigrant (Representative of International Organization and their dependents) | N |
| C05 | J-2 spouse or minor child of a J-1 exchange visitor | N |
| C06 | M-1 student seeking practical training after completing studies | N |
| C07 | Dependent of NATO-1 through NATO-7 non-immigrant | N |
| C08 | Asylum applicant (w/ pending asylum application) who filed for asylum on or after January 4, 1995 | Y |
| C09 | Adjustment of status (i485) |
Interrelationships between OPT and H1B Status of F1 Students in the USA
Q. Does the denial or rejection of h1b visa affect F-1 opt and work authorization, except for the cap-gap extension of OPT?
Answer: No, the denial or rejection of an H-1B visa does not affect your F-1 OPT and work authorization, except in cases related to the cap-gap extension. Here’s a breakdown:
If Your H-1B is Denied or Rejected:
- Your F-1 OPT status remains valid until its expiration date.
- If you are still within your authorized OPT period (or STEM OPT extension, if applicable), you can continue working as per the terms of your OPT.
Cap-Gap Exception:
- If your employer files an H-1B petition and it is selected in the lottery, you may qualify for a cap-gap extension, allowing you to stay and work beyond your OPT expiration until October 1.
- However, if the H-1B is denied after your OPT expires, the cap-gap extension immediately ends, and you may need to leave the U.S. unless you have other legal options.
Maintaining F-1 Status:
- If your H-1B is denied before your OPT expires, you can simply continue working under your remaining OPT period.
- If you are in the 60-day grace period after OPT expiration when your H-1B is denied, you generally must depart the U.S. or transfer to another program (e.g., another F-1 status by enrolling in a new academic program).
Q. If h1b is approved, can a f1 opt student choose to continue their OPT work authorization instead of h1b?
Answer: If your H-1B is approved, whether you can continue working under F-1 OPT instead of H-1B depends on when the H-1B status takes effect and how it was filed:
1. If H-1B was filed as a Change of Status (COS) (Most Common)
- When an employer files an H-1B petition with Change of Status (COS), your status automatically switches from F-1 to H-1B on October 1 if approved.
- You cannot choose to continue working on OPT after October 1 because your status will change to H-1B.
- If you wish to remain on F-1 OPT instead, you must take action before October 1:
- Withdraw the H-1B petition before it is approved (if still pending).
- Leave the U.S. before October 1 and re-enter with F-1 status to avoid automatic change to H-1B.
- Enroll in a new academic program and get a new Form I-20 before October 1 to maintain F-1 status.
2. If H-1B was filed as Consular Processing
- If your employer filed the H-1B petition with consular processing instead of a change of status, you stay in F-1 OPT status even after approval.
- Your H-1B status will only become active when you leave the U.S., get an H-1B visa stamp at a U.S. consulate, and re-enter on H-1B status.
- In this case, you can continue working on OPT until it expires, and then decide when to activate your H-1B.
3. Key Considerations
- If you continue working past OPT expiration (or STEM OPT expiration) without switching to H-1B, you may be out of status.
- If you have cap-gap extension, staying on OPT beyond the original expiration means the cap-gap is tied to the H-1B approval, so abandoning H-1B could impact work authorization.
- Q. My basic 12 month opt just started in Feb 2025, and can be extended to STEM opt in feb 2026. should i file for h1b or should continue with opt?
Answer: Since your 12-month OPT just started in February 2025 and you are eligible for a STEM OPT extension in February 2026, you have two main options:
Option 1: Continue with OPT & STEM OPT (Delay H-1B)
✅ Pros:
- You can legally work in the U.S. until at least February 2028 (with the STEM OPT extension).
- You get multiple chances to apply for the H-1B lottery (in 2026, 2027, and possibly 2028).
- You avoid the H-1B time limit (6 years max), allowing you more flexibility.
- You don’t need visa stamping immediately, reducing travel risks.
❌ Cons:
- H-1B is a lottery system, and delaying means fewer chances to get selected.
- STEM OPT has restrictions (must work for E-Verify employers, meet reporting requirements).
- If future immigration policies change, it could impact H-1B chances later.
Option 2: Apply for H-1B in 2025 (If Employer Sponsors You)
✅ Pros:
- If selected and approved, you secure long-term work authorization.
- No worries about OPT expiration or E-Verify employer restrictions.
- H-1B is a dual intent visa, making future Green Card sponsorship easier.
❌ Cons:
- If you don’t get selected, you’ll have to wait until 2026 or later to try again.
- If H-1B is filed as Change of Status (COS), your F-1 OPT ends on October 1, 2025, meaning you won’t benefit from your extra STEM OPT years.
- If you want to do further studies, H-1B may limit your flexibility.
Best Strategy for You?
- If your goal is long-term stability and your employer is willing to sponsor you, applying for H-1B in March 2025 could be a good choice.
- If you want to maximize your OPT period and gain more experience before moving to H-1B, you can wait and apply in 2026 or later.
- If you apply in 2025 and don’t get selected, you can still continue on OPT & STEM OPT and try again in 2026 or 2027.
Residential Status of F1 Students in the USA
Residency
The first step in filing your taxes in the U.S. is to take a Substantial Presence Test or Residency Test through Sprintax Calculus.
The IRS states that F-1 students who have been in the U.S. for five years or less are considered nonresidents for taxes because the IRS code exempts students from the Substantial Presence Test for the first five years the student is in the U.S.
Students who have been in the U.S. for five years or more are considered residents for tax filing purposes. Note: Residency for tax purposes does not equate to residency for immigration status.
For students with complex residency situations, please review the Tax Residency Status Examples provided by the Internal Revenue Service. Sprintax Calculus will apply the Substantial Presence Test and determine if you are a non-resident or resident for tax purposes.
- Nonresident status: Queens has partnered with Sprintax to help you prepare and file your tax documents.
- Resident status: You may use most online tax preparation providers, such as TurboTax or H&R Block. If Sprintax determines you are a resident for tax purposes, they will direct you to their partner for resident taxes, TurboTax.
Source: https://www.queens.edu/studyabroad/taxes-for-international-students/#:~:text=The%20IRS%20states%20that%20F,student%20is%20in%20the%20U.S.
Traveling with Advance Parole: Navigating Secondary Inspection – January 2025
Waypoint Immigration US
By Junayd Rehman, Associate Attorney at Waypoint Immigration USA
Traveling abroad can be exciting, but if you are a non-citizen traveling with advance parole, it will be only natural to feel a little nervous about re-entering the United States. The advance parole document allows certain individuals, particularly those with pending green card applications, to re-enter the United States without having to obtain a visa. However, the process involves more than just presenting your document at the airport. One crucial step in the journey back is secondary inspection—a part of the customs and immigration process that can often catch some travelers off guard.
In this entry we break it all down, so you know what to expect and how to prepare for a smooth return to the U.S. this holiday season and beyond.
🡪 What Is Advance Parole?
First, a quick refresher. Advance parole is a travel document issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows individuals in certain immigration statuses—like those with pending Adjustment of Status (green card) applications, DACA recipients, or individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS)—to travel internationally and lawfully return to the United States.
Advance parole is not a guarantee of re-entry, but it does allow you to seek admission into the U.S. without losing your immigration status or having to obtain a visa from a U.S. consulate.
🡪 What Is Secondary Inspection?
Secondary inspection is a process conducted by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port of entry (airport, seaport, or land border). It is essentially a deeper review of your documents, status, and eligibility to enter the U.S. If something about your case requires additional scrutiny or verification, CBP will refer you to secondary inspection.
For travelers with advance parole, secondary inspection is a routine part of the re-entry process. You will be escorted to a separate area where an officer will verify your documentation and confirm your eligibility to re-enter.
🡪 Why Am I Being Sent to Secondary Inspection with Advance Parole?
The main reason advance parole travelers are sent to secondary inspection is that your status and entry eligibility may require extra verification. Unlike a U.S. visa or green card, advance parole is not an admission stamp—it is simply a document that allows you to request re-entry. CBP officers need to review your specific immigration status, confirm the validity of your advance parole, and ensure there are no issues with your case.
This does not mean you have done anything wrong. Secondary inspection is standard for advance parole holders and happens to thousands of travelers every day. No need to fret.
What to Expect During Secondary Inspection
Secondary inspection may feel intimidating, but understanding what happens during the process can help ease your nerves:
- Escorted to the Inspection AreaAfter presenting your advance parole at the primary inspection booth, the officer will likely call over a colleague who will escort you to the secondary inspection area. This area is typically a separate room at the airport or port of entry.
- Document ReviewA CBP officer will review your advance parole document, passport, and any other supporting documents (e.g., Adjustment of Status receipt notice, DACA approval, TPS documentation, etc.). They may ask you a few questions about your travel, your immigration case, and/or your time abroad.
- Database ChecksThe officer will verify your information in CBP and USCIS databases to ensure your advance parole is valid and there are no red flags, such as a pending removal order, criminal issues, or an abandonment of your immigration application.
- Adjudication and Entry StampOnce the officer is satisfied with your documentation and case, they will admit you to the U.S. and stamp your passport. Depending on your status, the stamp may include a temporary notation about your parole status.
- Time and DelaysSecondary inspection can take anywhere from 10 minutes to a few hours, depending on how busy the port of entry is and the complexity of your case or issues raised by the CBP officer. Bring a book or something to pass the time in the event your secondary inspection lasts longer than anticipated.
Common Questions Asked During Secondary Inspection
CBP officers may ask you questions to clarify your situation and confirm your eligibility for re-entry. Some common questions include:
- Why did you travel abroad?
- How long were you outside the U.S.?
- What is your current immigration status?
- Do you have any criminal history or pending legal issues?
- Are you still pursuing your Adjustment of Status or other immigration application?
Be truthful and consistent with your answers. Misrepresentation or false statements will have serious consequences for your immigration case and potential future in the United States.
How to Prepare for Secondary Inspection
The key to a smooth secondary inspection process is preparation. Here are some tips:
1. Carry All Relevant Documents In addition to your advance parole document, bring your passport and any supporting documents that prove your immigration status. For example:
- Adjustment of Status applicants: I-797 receipt notice for Form I-485
- DACA recipients: DACA approval notice and Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- TPS holders: TPS approval notice
- Employment-based applicants: Job offer letter or proof of ongoing employment (if applicable)
2. Double-Check Your Travel Dates Make sure your advance parole document is valid for the entire duration of your trip. Do not attempt to re-enter the U.S. without talking to an attorney if your advance parole has expired.
3. Be honest and Consistent Answer all questions truthfully. If you are unsure about a question, it is okay to say so—just avoid making assumptions or providing information you are not sure about.
4. Prepare for Delays While secondary inspection is usually routine, it can take time. Allow for extra time at the airport in case the process takes longer than expected.
5. Know Your Rights CBP officers have the authority to question you, but you also have rights. If you feel uncomfortable or unsure about something during the process, you can politely request clarification, ask for a supervisor, or seek legal assistance.
What Happens If There is an Issue?
In rare cases, CBP may find an issue with your advance parole or your immigration status during secondary inspection. For example:
- If your advance parole has expired, you may not be admitted and could face removal proceedings.
- If there are concerns about abandonment of your immigration application (e.g., because of long travel durations), CBP may refer your case to USCIS for further review.
- If there are discrepancies in your case, you may be asked to provide additional documentation or return for an interview.
If you are denied entry or encounter issues, it is critical to contact an immigration attorney immediately.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with advance parole any time of year requires preparation, but understanding the secondary inspection process can make it much less daunting. Remember, secondary inspection is a standard procedure for advance parole holders, and it is designed to ensure that all travelers meet U.S. entry requirements.
By carrying the right documents, answering questions truthfully, and knowing what to expect, and keeping calm, you can make the process as smooth as possible. And as always, if you are unsure about anything, consult an immigration attorney before your trip to ensure you are fully prepared. Safe travels!
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/traveling-advance-parole-navigating-secondary-wtshc/?trackingId=xPNNnbj70PAk5uT7nfyTHQ%3D%3D
Learn About L-1A/ L-1 visa Category
An L-1A visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows a U.S. employer to transfer executives or managers from a foreign office to the United States. It’s also known as the intra-company transferee visa.
Who can apply
A U.S. employer can apply for an L-1A visa for an executive or manager
A foreign company can apply for an L-1A visa to send an executive or manager to the U.S. to establish an office
Application process
The employer must file a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Requirements
The foreign company must have a parent, subsidiary, affiliate, or branch relationship with the U.S. business
The candidate must have worked for the foreign company for at least one year within the previous three years
The candidate must be arriving in the United States to work in an executive, managerial, or specialized knowledge role
Benefits
The L-1A visa is part of the L1 visa category, which is intended for intra-company transfers. It provides an opportunity for companies seeking to expand operations within the United States.
L-1 visa
L-1 visa holders can apply for a green card through the adjustment of status process or consular processing. The process can take 1–2 years.
Eligibility
Have a qualifying relationship between a U.S. and foreign company
Have worked in an eligible position for at least one year within the last three years
Have an adequate skill level that is not commonly available in the U.S. labor market
Application process
File USCIS Form I-140 Petition for Foreign Worker
File USCIS Form I-485 Adjustment of Status
Wait for your priority date to become current
Wait for the I-485 form to be processed
Wait for your Green Card to be issued
Documents needed
Passport
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate, if applicable
Proof that your investment funds were lawfully obtained
The Truth About Immigration Detention in the United States
President Trump’s mass deportation agenda threatens to dramatically escalate the use of detention, a system plagued by abuse and neglect.
Last week, NPR released a report exposing the overcrowding, starvation, and medical neglect in Florida’s immigration detention centers. It reinforces what has long been documented about the massive United States immigration detention system.
In recent months, immigration officers have detained people seeking asylum and those who have been living and working in their communities for years. Some have been undocumented and others have had valid temporary or permanent legal residency. Regardless of their circumstances, they have been locked up in deplorable conditions and separated from their families. Many have been sent to detention centers thousands of miles away from their homes. This is an escalation of an immigration detention system that was already ripping families apart and putting lives in danger.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is currently holding roughly 50,000 people, and over the last 10 years, it has booked people into detention roughly 3 million times. Though Congress has already directed exorbitant amounts of money toward funding this cruel system, the Trump administration is seeking an additional $45 billion to ramp up this practice and increase the nation’s capacity to detain and deport, with the goal of removing 1 million people annually.
But this expansion—indeed, immigration detention as a whole—is entirely unnecessary. The federal government’s own data shows that detention does not deter migration, and detention is not necessary to ensure that people appear in court for immigration hearings. As the United States has one of the highest incarceration rates globally, combatting civil immigration detention is inextricably linked with addressing our country’s mass incarceration crisis.
Hundreds of facilities—and counting
Vera’s ICE Detention Trends dashboard, which provides insight into the detention network the agency operates, shows that in March 2020, ICE was holding people in 409 facilities but only acknowledged 221 of them. In a forthcoming update to the dashboard, Vera researchers found that as of February 2025, ICE was holding people in 389 facilities, although it acknowledged just 122 of them on its website. Over 16 years, ICE has detained people across 1,357 facilities total—not only private detention facilities and local jails, but also unexpected places like hotels, hospitals, airports, and military bases that are excluded from public reporting.
As the Trump administration has escalated its mass detention and deportation efforts, it has expanded its use of federal prisons, army bases, and soft-sided tent facilities to detain people. It deported hundreds of people to El Salvador, paying the country $6 million to incarcerate people in the Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT), its notorious mega-prison. The administration planned to send as many as 30,000 people to Guantanamo Bay, but those plans have stalled amid ongoing legal, logistical, and financial hurdles. It has also attempted to deport people to Libya and South Sudan.
Horrific conditions
People held in immigration detention may spend years enduring deplorable conditions designed to dehumanize them. Survivors have reported physical, verbal, and sexual abuse. Woefully inadequate medical care and neglect have led to preventable deaths. Thousands have been subjected to solitary confinement, where they are isolated in small cells for days, weeks, or even years. Even before last week’s NPR report, people in ICE detention reported being left on a bus, chained for hours, without food, water, or a toilet; others have said they were told by guards to urinate on the floor.
Children are not excluded—they are often separated from their caregivers and endure similarly appalling conditions. Ana, an advocate for immigrants’ rights from Guatemala who spoke with Vera about her experience in a detention facility, recalled hearing the cries of children from her cell—including her young son, who’d been taken from her.
“We had to sleep on concrete benches or the floor because there were so many of us. I was cold and so sad to be there,” she said. “They give you aluminum to wrap yourself in, but it doesn’t warm you.”
In 2019, the federal government itself reported that conditions in immigration detention were inhumane. This horrifying reality will likely only grow more prevalent as the Trump administration has indicated that it will lower detention standards even further to increase detention capacity. Also in 2019, Congress created the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman to investigate complaints in immigration detention, but the Trump administration recently gutted this department, along with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, which had been charged with investigating accusations of civil rights violations against both immigrants and U.S. citizens.
No legal representation
Because there is no right to government-funded legal representation for people facing deportation, the majority of those in immigration court—about 62 percent—have no attorney to advise them of their rights or advocate for their release from detention. Legal representation is expensive, and people are frequently held in remote facilities far from their community. And even if they can find an attorney, they often face barriers communicating with them.
The Trump administration’s tactics are a direct attack on due process. People with lawful claims to remain in the United States have already been deported simply because they could not afford or access an attorney. The administration’s recent moves to terminate bipartisan-supported legal orientation and referrals services within detention facilities and to end legal help for immigrants with mental health conditions only exacerbate this crisis.
Who profits from immigration detention
As the number of people held in immigration detention increases, often so do revenues for the private prison companies that run many facilities. In 2023, more than 90 percent of the then-30,000 people in immigration detention on any given day were held in facilities run by private prison corporations, including GEO Group, CoreCivic, and LaSalle Corrections, which make millions of dollars every year depriving people in civil proceedings of their liberty. These private prison companies now stand to gain even more.
Local officials and sheriffs are also incentivized to expand existing jails or build new ones, chasing prospective revenue from renting jail beds to federal agencies. In fact, local jails comprise the most common type of facility in ICE’s detention network. Instead of investing in schools or health care, many local governments spend on jails, growing increasingly reliant on incarceration for future revenue.
The United States immigration detention system is as horrific as it is unnecessary. And while some actors stand to benefit, this system costs all of us—not just in dollars, but in the erosion of our shared values of dignity and justice. The Trump administration’s detention and deportation agenda diverts billions from the investments our communities need—investments that foster real public safety. Inflicting cruelty on those seeking refuge and opportunity in this country and on those who have called the United States home for decades does nothing to achieve that goal.
USCIS Processing Times in 2025: What You Need to Know
USCIS Processing Times – December 2025
