Many immigrants had their cases denied, delayed, or closed during the Trump administration between 2017 and early 2021. Harsh policies, rushed timelines, and limited discretion often left families separated and applicants without a fair chance to present their case.
Now, under Trump’s second term in office, many of those same policies are returning, but the legal system isn’t exactly the same. Some cases can still be reopened, especially if they were affected by errors, outdated rules, or temporary policy reversals. If your case was closed during the Trump years, now is the time to find out if you still have a path forward.
What Happened During the First Trump Term
Between 2017 and 2021, the federal government made sweeping changes to immigration rules. Many applications were denied outright, and some people were ordered removed without a proper hearing. The public charge rule was expanded, asylum was restricted, and “Remain in Mexico” or Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) sent thousands of people back across the border, even those with valid claims.
You may have been affected if:
- You were denied a green card or visa because of the public charge rule
- Your asylum case was closed under MPP
- You received a removal order without proper notice
- Your work visa was denied without a chance to respond
Even if you’ve been living with that denial for years, it may still be possible to revisit your case.
Can You Reopen Your Case Now?
It depends. Immigration law allows certain motions to reopen or reconsider closed cases. But success usually requires one of the following:
- A legal error in the original decision
- New or updated evidence that wasn’t available before
- Changes in the law or agency policy that impact your eligibility
- Proof of unfairness, such as lack of notice or opportunity to be heard
There are time limits—typically 90 days from the original decision—but exceptions exist. If your case was mishandled or affected by now-reversed policies, the court or USCIS may still allow you to file.
What’s Changed Under Trump’s Second Term?
In 2025, President Trump returned to office and quickly began reinstating many of his previous immigration policies. Some of the current changes include:
- A renewed focus on enforcement and expedited removal
- Restrictions on asylum access (though courts have blocked some provisions)
- A new executive order limiting entry from certain countries
- DHS memos directing broader detention authority for undocumented immigrants
However, the courts have intervened to stop or delay certain aspects of this agenda. For example, as of July 2025, judges have blocked the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians and temporarily halted the blanket asylum ban at the southern border.
Because of these ongoing legal battles, there is still an opportunity for people whose cases were mishandled in the past to be heard before new rules take full effect.
Legal Tools to Reopen a Case
If you’re eligible, here are some of the ways we can help you seek a second chance:
- Motion to Reopen: This asks USCIS or an immigration judge to review a case based on new facts or changed circumstances.
- Motion to Reconsider: This focuses on legal error—if the decision was based on a misapplication of the law.
- Joint Motion: In some removal cases, DHS may agree to reopen a case together with the immigrant.
- Sua Sponte Reopening: The court may reopen a case on its own if it finds that fairness requires it.
- Appeals: If time limits haven’t passed, you may also challenge the original decision before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or a federal court.
We review your file carefully to determine which option makes the most sense and whether current law gives you an opening.
Timing Matters
Reopening a case is more difficult under the current administration, but not impossible. Courts are still reviewing decisions made during the first Trump term. If your case was denied based on a policy that has since been blocked or reversed, there may be a legal argument in your favor.
We strongly recommend acting soon. Once new rules are fully in place and older decisions are finalized, your window to reopen may close for good.
Let’s Talk About Your Case
At Rahimi Law Firm, P.C., we help immigrants understand their options and fight for their future. If your immigration case was denied or closed between 2017 and 2021, we can review what happened and see if you can reopen it now. We’ll give you honest advice and walk you through every step of the process.
Call us today to schedule a consultation. A second chance may still be possible, but only if you take the first step.