A Landmark Immigration Law
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” into law. Praised by administration officials as a sweeping overhaul of immigration policy, the bill’s passage has raised significant questions among immigrants, green card holders, and citizenship applicants about what changes they might face in the coming months.
According to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the law aims to “restore order at our borders and uphold national security.” Acting ICE Director Todd M. Lyons called it a “historic tool for immigration enforcement” in his official statement.
What Is the One Big Beautiful Bill?
While the full regulatory guidance is still forthcoming, key provisions highlighted by DHS and ICE include:
- Expanded Deportation Powers
The bill grants broader authority for expedited removal, allowing ICE officers to deport individuals without lengthy court proceedings under certain conditions.
- Increased Detention Capacity and Record Ice Funding
Funding is earmarked for new detention facilities to house the rise in removals. According to PBS NewsHour correspondents Amna Nawaz and Laura Barrón-López, the bill allocates more than $160 billion to immigration enforcement and deportation operations, including:
-
- $46.5 billion to build the remaining segments of the U.S.-Mexico border wall
- $45 billion for immigration detention centers, dramatically increasing nationwide detention capacity
- $30 billion to hire and train ICE staff, plus an additional 10,000 new agents
- $3.3 billion for immigration court judges and attorneys to process an expected surge in cases
Barrón-López reported ICE plans to expand daily detention bed capacity to at least 80,000 beds, a historic increase. Some funds are flexible, allowing unspent border wall allocations to be redirected to other ICE operations. This makes ICE the most funded federal law enforcement agency in U.S. history, surpassing the FBI and DEA combined, and escalating its deportation and detention infrastructure.
- Birthright Citizenship Limitations
The bill includes provisions aiming to limit birthright citizenship for certain children of undocumented immigrants; however, this is expected to face immediate constitutional challenges under the 14th Amendment.
- Streamlined Asylum and Removal Proceedings
Changes are expected to tighten asylum eligibility standards and accelerate removal processes for applicants denied protection.
How Could This Affect Green Card Holders?
Although lawful permanent residents are not the bill’s primary target, advocates warn of potential indirect impacts. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), green card holders can be placed in removal proceedings for a variety of reasons, including:
- Criminal convictions, even minor or old offenses
- Immigration fraud or misrepresentation on applications
- Extended travel abroad without maintaining U.S. residence
New provisions may expand what constitutes deportable conduct, increasing scrutiny during green card renewals and status adjustments. Green card holders should ensure their documentation, tax compliance, and travel histories remain in full legal order.
Implications for Citizenship Applicants
The bill also includes language suggesting stricter naturalization standards, with heightened focus on background checks and prior immigration record accuracy. Applicants with even minor errors or past status violations may encounter delays or additional questioning during their naturalization process.
Although the bill’s text has not yet been fully released, similar past policies have included increased denaturalization efforts targeting fraud.
Public Reaction and Legal Concerns
Immigrant advocacy groups have criticized the bill as an unconstitutional expansion of enforcement power that could threaten due process rights. Supporters argue it restores integrity to the immigration system and strengthens national security.
Until implementing regulations are issued, the precise impact remains uncertain. Legal challenges are expected, particularly regarding birthright citizenship restrictions and expanded expedited removal provisions.
What Should Immigrants Do Right Now?
1. Stay Informed Through Official Sources
Monitor updates from government agencies as implementation details emerge.
2. Review Your Immigration Status
Ensure your green card, work permit, or naturalization application is accurate, complete, and compliant with current regulations.
3. Seek Professional Guidance
Consult an experienced immigration attorney to assess how the new law may affect your eligibility, future travel, or pending applications.
Preparing for Change
While the One Big Beautiful Bill is now law, implementation will take time and may face legal or operational challenges. Staying proactive, informed, and compliant will help protect your status and goals in the United States.
If you have questions about how this new legislation may impact your green card, citizenship application, or overall immigration strategy, contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our attorneys. We are here to guide you through every step in this evolving legal landscape.
Ready to have Berardi on your side?
Whether you’re a business looking to hire or a professional hoping to relocate, immigration law can be complicated. But you don’t have to do it alone. Put our experience to work for you.