USCIS sees surge in homeland defender job applications
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has received more than 20,000 applications for 'Homeland Defender' roles in less than two weeks. The hiring campaign, which began on September 30, marks an unprecedented effort at the agency. These positions involve reviewing eligibility for green cards, visas, and citizenship.
The recruitment drive for Homeland Defenders started on September 30, drawing a massive response from applicants eager to join the Department of Homeland Security's efforts. USCIS Director Joseph Edlow described the influx as historic, stating, "I am thrilled with the tremendous response we have received from fiercely dedicated, America-first patriots who want to serve as Homeland Defenders."
In detail, more than 20,000 applications were submitted, with 14,021 directed to the USCIS Service Center Operations Directorate and 8,627 to the USCIS Field Operations Directorate. The roles, previously known as Immigration Services Officers, were rebranded under the Trump administration to emphasize national security. Applicants are tasked with determining whether legal migrants qualify for green cards, extended visas, or citizenship.
To attract candidates, the USCIS website highlights incentives including a potential $50,000 signing bonus, remote work options, and no requirement for a college degree. Edlow further noted, "In mere days, more than 20,000 Americans have stepped forward, ready to serve on the frontlines to protect our nation’s sovereignty and restore integrity to our immigration system after four disastrous years of failed Biden administration immigration policies."
Agency sources emphasized that a campaign of this scale has never been undertaken before at USCIS. This surge aligns with broader Department of Homeland Security initiatives, including reported increases in Immigration and Customs Enforcement applications, reaching 141,000 in early September. As of late September, DHS reported 1.6 million illegal immigrants had self-deported, with 400,000 removed by federal enforcement, putting the administration on track to deport nearly 600,000 by the end of President Trump's first year back in office.