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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently released a guide called the ‘Playbook for Public Sector Artificial Intelligence Deployment,’ which outlines how they plan to use AI to make US immigration processing better and faster.

The promise of more efficient processing could benefit employers who wish to bring in international talent as well as families and individuals looking to immigrate to the US. However, because of recent changes in government leadership, the future of these AI tools and how they’ll actually be used is uncertain. New policies could affect how (or if) these technological advancements are implemented.

Talk to our immigration deportation lawyers in New York if you have questions. We stay updated on the latest information to make sure that our clients are well-prepared for any changes that might affect their visa applications.

Immigration processing enters a new chapter

The DHS’ AI playbook details the agency’s framework for executing artificial intelligence across every aspect of immigration services. The initiative aims to alter the processing of immigration cases by focusing on 7 specific areas:

• Creating mission-focused AI applications
• Establishing partnerships between technology and government sectors
• Making the most of current immigration infrastructure
• Carry out responsible AI safeguards
• Measure improvements in processing
• New technology training for immigration officers
• Obtaining feedback from immigrants and representatives

Harnessing AI technology responsibly

DHS Secretary Mayorkas emphasized that these updates aim to responsibly harness AI while protecting individual rights and privacy.

Key AI implementation in 2024

The DHS set the stage for its 2025 AI strategy by rolling out crucial developments throughout 2024:

• It established the AI Safety and Security Board in April 2024 by gathering leaders from civil rights organizations, major tech companies, and government agencies. The aim is to manage AI implementation.
• It also established Chemical and Biological Safety Guidelines for using AI in security screenings in June 2024.
• Finally, in December 2024, the DHS unveiled 158 active AI applications across the agency, including 29 systems impacting immigration processing directly.

Promising results

The DHS says that these 2024 AI initiatives have already yielded positive outcomes. For example, the Evidence Classifier system saved over 13,000 hours previously spent reviewing documents and improved the 30-day application processing success rate from 30% to 58%. The Person-Centric Identity Services system has also seen substantial enhancements across different application types, notably reducing issues with mismatched files and processing delays.

How AI is changing the immigration application process in the DHS

• Speedy initial processing – AI systems handle the initial document review and can handle straightforward cases swiftly. As long as your documentation is clear and you don’t have a complex case, you may benefit from reduced processing times.
• Highly consistent reviews – AI automates systems to use uniform standards in all service centers. This minimizes the variations in how each DHS office handles similar cases.
• Better communication – The latest AI-powered communication tools can update applicants more frequently about their case statuses. These tools can communicate in multiple languages to make sure that applicants understand the required documentation and process and that they can quickly address any deficiencies in their applications.

How will the new administration impact the DHS’ AI plan in 2025 and beyond?

AI systems may start enforcing stricter application and screening processes, especially in these areas:

• Financial requirements (for family sponsorships)
• Employment verification (for work visas)
• Social media screening
• Background checks

AI in immigration may also play a key role in:

• Improving fraud detection capabilities and identifying discrepancies more effectively
• Expanding security screening procedures
• Conducting detailed assessments of public charges to confirm financial independence
• Enforcing stricter verification of employment qualifications.

Working with an immigration deportation lawyer in New York can help you understand these changes and navigate the system confidently. Your lawyer can help you:

• Ensure that all your documents are properly scanned and consistent while maintaining complete records of every submission.
• File important applications as early as possible to create a buffer for potential processing delays or increased documentation requests.
• Stay informed on processing times and changes.

Protecting your rights in the time of AI

The integration of AI in immigration processing may create new hurdles, at least in the beginning. An experienced immigration deportation lawyer in New York can be your advocate. When you have a lawyer, you have someone to help you understand the evolving rules so you can strengthen your application and improve your chances.

If you need an immigration deportation lawyer in New York, contact Berd & Klauss, PLLC, at 212-461-7152 to schedule a consultation. We’re here to guide you through the process and work towards the best possible outcome for your case.