What the New 2026 Immigration Enforcement Order Means for You and Your Family

In February 2026, the federal government issued a new policy titled Protecting the National Security and Welfare of the United States and Its Citizens From Criminal Actors and Other Public Safety Threats. You can review the full text here:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/11/2026-02819/protecting-the-national-security-and-welfare-of-the-united-states-and-its-citizens-from-criminal

If you are an immigrant living in the United States or planning to apply for a visa, green card, or citizenship, this new immigration enforcement order could affect your case more than you think.

The government’s stated goal is to prioritize enforcement against individuals considered “criminal actors” or threats to public safety. That may sound straightforward, but the language used in the order is intentionally broad. It allows immigration authorities significant discretion in deciding who falls within that category.

One of the most important changes involves expanded access to criminal records. The order directs federal agencies to share criminal history information with the Department of Homeland Security to the fullest extent allowed by law. In practical terms, this means immigration officers will have more detailed background information when reviewing applications for visas, green cards, asylum, or other immigration benefits.

Here is where many immigrants make a critical mistake. They assume that only serious or violent crimes matter. That assumption is risky. The policy does not limit enforcement to major offenses. Even minor issues, past arrests, dismissed cases, or older incidents may be reviewed more closely under this expanded information-sharing system.

Another significant development is increased international data sharing. The United States is strengthening cooperation with foreign governments to exchange criminal history and security-related information. If you have lived in multiple countries or had legal issues abroad, that information may now be more easily accessible to U.S. immigration authorities.

It is important to understand what this order does not do. It does not automatically change immigration laws, and it does not create new criminal offenses. It also does not guarantee that someone will be detained or deported. Instead, it increases scrutiny and gives immigration agencies more tools to evaluate applicants and enforce existing laws.

That distinction matters. The real impact is not automatic removal—it is increased risk if your case is not properly prepared.

If you have any prior contact with law enforcement, no matter how minor it may seem, you should not file an immigration application without first understanding how it could affect your case. What appears insignificant to you may be viewed differently by immigration officials, especially under heightened enforcement priorities.

At the same time, this does not mean you have no options. Many immigrants still qualify for legal status through family petitions, employment-based visas, waivers, U visas, and other forms of relief. The key is developing the right legal strategy before taking action.

From a legal perspective, this new policy reinforces a reality that experienced immigration attorneys already understand. Immigration law is deeply connected to criminal law, and even small mistakes in how a case is presented can have serious consequences. Proper legal guidance is more important than ever.

If you are unsure how this new immigration enforcement order affects your situation, do not rely on assumptions or general information online. Every case is different, and the stakes are too high to guess.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific, and you should consult with a qualified immigration attorney regarding your individual situation.

If you have questions about how this new policy may affect you or your family, call Attorney Thomas Lee, at (213) 251-5533 for a free phone legal consultation.