Edlow Takes Helm at USCIS, Signals Tough Enforcement Stance

July 28, 2025

What's New

The Senate confirmed President Trump’s nominee, Joseph Edlow, to serve as director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on July 15.

USCIS announced July 18 that Edlow has taken the helm at the agency. The new director served at USCIS as deputy director for policy in 2020 and as chief counsel in 2019. Before that, he worked in the House of Representatives, including as counsel on the Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee, where he focused on enforcement and criminal immigration matters. He also spent six years in Baltimore as an assistant chief counsel in the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Edlow earned a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and a law degree from Case Western Reserve University.

What It Means

With a Senate-confirmed leader in place, USCIS is likely to increase its regulatory activity. Edlow pledged to “meet ever-evolving threats and ensure that we serve as the frontline to safeguard our homeland.”

What You Should Do

CWC members can follow the progress of other Trump Administration nominees using this resource. Those who wish to discuss the implications of this development with CWC staff and fellow members can register for a Conversation Corner.

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