Over the Memorial Day weekend,President Trump fired USCIS Director L. Fracis Cissna and replaced him with aone-time Virginia candidate for Governor, Ken Cuccinelli. Cuccinelli has been an outspoken critic oflegal immigration. Danielle Spooner, the president of theAmerican Federation of Government Employees union representing USCIS employees,criticizedPresident Trump’s decision, “the resignation of Francis Lee Cissnaas Director of USCIS and the possible appointment of Ken Cuccinelli as hissuccessor spells the end of legal immigration as it currently exists.”
It remains tobe seen if the President follows through on yet another controversial hire, orbacks off after learning more about the candidate, ashe has done in about 50 other high-level appointments. Notably, ICEhas not had a confirmed permanent Director in the entirety of the Presidency. Earlier in the year, President Trump withdrewRon Vitiello’s nomination, after the ICE officer’s union opposed thenomination. It would not be surprisingto see this nomination and appointment process to take all summer.
UnderDirector Cissna, H-1Bdenial rates have skyrocketed, despite no change in law, leading to lawsuitschallenging error-prone decisions. MULaw has worked with clients to file lawsuits on 17 different erroneous decisions,winning 16 victories, with one case remaining open. It remains to be seen if Nominee Cuccinelli will seek to double down onoutgoing Director Cissna’s failed policies.