Immigration has continued to be a prevalent topic in the news this week as President Trump initiates further policy changes and deportations. Here are the latest updates:
1. Trump Administration Working to End Federal Benefits for Undocumented Migrants
On February 19, President Trump signed an executive order intending to eliminate federally funded benefits for undocumented migrants. However, it remains unclear which specific programs will be affected.
Outside of limited emergency situations, undocumented immigrants are already largely ineligible for federal benefits, including Social Security. It is important to note that U.S. Social Security taxes are deducted from all paychecks, regardless of immigration status.
According to 2024 research, undocumented immigrants contribute tens of billions of dollars annually to the U.S. Social Security system through tax payments – an estimated $20 billion per year toward benefits they are not eligible to receive.
I will continue to monitor how this executive order is implemented and which programs, if any, are impacted.
2. Asylum Seekers Deported to Panama
As the Trump administration works to accelerate deportations, approximately 300 asylum seekers have been deported to Panama, where they are reportedly being held in a hotel.
There are reports that migrants have been denied access to translators and have had their passports and cell phones confiscated. The Panamanian government has stated that the detained migrants do not have criminal backgrounds and will not be provided access to legal counsel.
Panama has deported approximately 13 individuals to their home countries. However, many migrants – originating from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Vietnam, and China – have expressed fear for their lives if forced to return.
Those who have refused voluntary repatriation have reportedly been relocated to a camp in the Panamanian jungle while officials determine their next destination.
3. Trump Administration Fires Multiple Immigration Judges
On February 14, President Trump terminated 18 immigration judges as the immigration court backlog continues to grow, now reaching approximately 3.7 million pending cases.
The administration did not provide a public explanation for the firings.
Immigration judges preside over asylum and removal proceedings, hearing claims from asylum seekers before granting or denying relief. Each immigration judge typically handles between 500–700 cases per year.
It is widely expected that these terminations will further exacerbate the backlog, increasing wait times for individuals seeking resolution of their immigration cases.
As always, I will continue monitoring these developments and provide updates as more information becomes available. To read more about what I’ve written about today and more, you can subscribe to my bi-weekly LinkedIn newsletter, Immigration Watch.
Rebecca R. Cohen
Rebecca R. Cohen is a trusted immigration attorney who represents individuals, families, and employers in complex family- and employment-based immigration matters with a combination of strong advocacy and practical guidance. Known for her deep knowledge of visas, green cards, citizenship, and dual citizenship issues, she helps clients understand their options and develop effective strategies to achieve their goals. With a collaborative, solution-focused approach and certified mediation training, Rebecca provides clear communication, attentive support, and thoughtful preparation throughout the immigration process.
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