Trump’s USCIS Pick Has Track Record of Tough Immigration Vetting

Joseph Edlow, President Donald Trump‘s nominee to lead US Immigration and Citizenship Services, is expected to draw from his history at the agency and enforcement work to carry out the administration’s more restrictive agenda.

Edlow briefly helmed the agency as acting director in the final months of the first Trump administration, making him a known commodity for many career employees.

During that time, the agency navigated shutdowns from the Covid-19 pandemic and mandates for tougher vetting of H-1Bs and other visas, as well as other benefits like work permits. The fee-funded agency also almost ran out of money and ...