In a deeply concerning development for the immigrant community, the federal government has effectively shut down the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman, a longstanding and independent oversight office within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This office has been instrumental in helping immigrants resolve complicated visa-related issues, including delays and errors in processing H-1B visas, F-1 student benefits, and green card applications.

Why This Matters

The CIS Ombudsman's office, established by Congress under the Homeland Security Act of 2002, was created to serve as a watchdog and problem-solving resource for people experiencing difficulties with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Over the years, it has provided critical assistance to thousands—often stepping in when government processes broke down or stalled without explanation.

The shutdown has already sparked strong reactions from immigration attorneys and advocates, who warn that this move will leave vulnerable populations without a neutral third party to intervene in difficult cases.

Who Is Affected?

This decision is expected to have an immediate and far-reaching impact on a wide range of immigrants, particularly:

• H-1B visa holders, who often experience lengthy processing delays that can jeopardize their legal status and employment;

• International students on F-1 visas, especially those applying for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM extensions, who face strict timelines and tight employment windows;

• Green card applicants, whose applications may be stuck in bureaucratic limbo due to background check delays or administrative errors.

In many such cases, intervention by the Ombudsman's office had previously led to resolution in just a matter of weeks, dramatically altering outcomes for applicants who had been waiting months or even years.

A Shift Away from Oversight

While the government has not officially stated that the Ombudsman's office is permanently closed, placing all staff on administrative leave has effectively shut down its operations. DHS claims the suspension is part of an effort to realign priorities toward border enforcement and national security, but many legal professionals view this as a retreat from accountability and transparency.

The CIS Ombudsman was unique in that it operated independently of USCIS and was mandated to report directly to Congress. This independence allowed it to hold the immigration system accountable and to advocate for improvements without interference from within the agency.

What Can Immigrants Do Now?

With this critical channel of oversight no longer available, individuals facing immigration issues are encouraged to:

• Contact their congressional representatives – Elected officials can submit inquiries on behalf of constituents experiencing unreasonable delays or errors with their immigration cases.

• Consult an experienced immigration attorney – Professional legal guidance is more important than ever to navigate the increasingly complex immigration landscape.

• Keep thorough records – Maintain detailed logs of all communications with USCIS, including reference numbers, names of officials, and submission dates.

• Explore premium processing – Where available, this expedited service may be a viable alternative for time-sensitive applications.

Our Perspective

At Saluja Law, we are deeply concerned about the implications of this decision. The Ombudsman's office played a vital role in providing fair, independent resolution for those struggling to navigate a sometimes opaque and inconsistent immigration system. Its absence will likely lead to longer delays, unresolved errors, and more legal uncertainty for immigrants and their families.

We remain committed to fighting for our clients and providing the clarity, strategy, and advocacy needed in this evolving environment. If you are experiencing delays or complications with your immigration case, we encourage you to reach out. Now, more than ever, having strong legal representation can make all the difference.