Archive · 28 Nov 2025
ICE Arrests Visa Overstays at Green Card Interviews
Immigration authorities in San Diego are arresting people who overstayed their visas during their green card interviews.
This is happening at USCIS offices and is worrying for families and lawyers.
The arrests are happening to people who entered the country legally but stayed longer than allowed.
Some of these people are married to U.S. citizens and have no criminal records.
The arrests are happening in front of their spouses and even children, which is very upsetting.
Lawyers say this might make other people afraid to go to their interviews, even if they are eligible.
ICE says they are doing this to enforce immigration laws and keep the country safe.
ICE is arresting visa overstays during green card interviews at USCIS offices in San Diego.
Five clients of immigration attorney Saman Nasseri were detained last week, all married to U.S. citizens and with no prior arrests.
Arrests began on November 12 and appear to be limited to San Diego, according to immigration attorney Habib Hasbini.
ICE confirmed the detentions, stating they are enforcing immigration law through targeted operations.
Some arrests occurred in front of spouses and children, causing distress and potential deterrence for future applicants.
- Who
- Visa overstays attending green card interviews, including spouses of U.S. citizens
- What
- Arrests by ICE during green card interviews
- When
- Starting November 12
- Where
- San Diego, at USCIS offices
- Why
- Enforcement of immigration law, targeting national security, public safety, and border security
Immigration Attorneys
ICE
Impact on Families
Immigration Attorneys
Arrests occurring in front of spouses and children cause distress and potential deterrence for future applicants.
ICE
Enforcing immigration law is necessary for national security, public safety, and border security.
Advice to Clients
Immigration Attorneys
Attorneys advise clients to be cautious and prepared for potential detentions, but still attend interviews to avoid case abandonment.
ICE
ICE encourages voluntary departure using tools like the CBP Home app.
- Location
- San Diego
- Agencies Involved
- ICE and USCIS
- Date of Arrests
- Starting November 12
- Number of Clients Detained
- Five (confirmed by attorney Saman Nasseri)
- ICE's Stance
- Enforcing immigration law through targeted operations
- Impact on Families
- Arrests occurring in front of spouses and children
- ICE's Advice
- Encouraged voluntary departure using tools like the CBP Home app
Sources
Out of status? ICE may arrest you at your green card interview, lawyers sound alarm
Green Card interview or arrest? US federal agencies arresting applicants during USCIS interviews
Go for Green Card, get handcuffed: US agencies detains visa overstays during interviews
Arrests during green card interviews? Foreign spouses ‘detained’ mid-process: Report
Green Card Hope To Handcuffed Reality: Trouble For US Nationals' Spouses
