Former President Donald Trump’s recently proposed “Big Beautiful Bill” (BBB) is already stirring legal debate across the country. If fully passed, the bill could make the most aggressive changes to the US immigration system in several decades. The bill’s massive funding, coupled with an enforcement-heavy approach, has prompted strong reactions from legal experts, advocacy groups, and the immigrant community.
The legal team at Orange Law is keeping an eye on every update. Here are 4 important changes that this bill can bring to the immigration process.
1. Historic Expansion of Enforcement Forces and Infrastructure
The BBB proposes allocating over $150 billion toward immigration enforcement, including funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the construction of additional border barriers.
Key highlights:
- Recruitment of 8,500–10,000 new ICE agents
- Expansion of detention capacity to over 100,000 beds
- Up to $46 billion for fencing, walls, and surveillance tech
This would dramatically increase the federal government’s ability to carry out arrests, detain individuals for extended periods, and patrol the southern border. Supporters believe the bill will strengthen border security, but rights groups are warning that it could be a misuse of the law and could deprive people of the right to a fair hearing.
Orange Law Insight:
More enforcement means that raids can become more intense in communities with higher numbers of immigrants. If you have received any notice or action related to this, then it is important to take legal help without wasting time; this is the best protection of your rights.
2. Escalation of Detentions and Fast-Track Deportations
This proposed bill would give the federal government more power to detain and deport people, including asylum seekers, undocumented immigrants, and sometimes legal residents accused of minor violations.
What’s changing:
- Greater use of expedited removal, skipping immigration court hearings
- Expanded authority to detain families and individuals indefinitely
- Plans for new detention centers across border states
This signals a shift toward mass detention as a central strategy. The bill also reduces pathways to contest deportation and narrows options for bond release.
Orange Law Insight:
This change puts at risk those people who do not even get a full chance to present their side and are removed from the firewall. We recommend immigrants carry identification and legal paperwork at all times and contact an attorney at the first sign of enforcement action.
3. Higher Fees and Financial Barriers for Legal Immigration
Trump’s bill would sharply raise the cost of pursuing legal immigration in the U.S., placing a financial burden on low-income families.
Key fee changes include:
- Work permit costs rising to $550+
- Asylum application fee introduced at $100 annually (previously free)
- TPS and visa application fees increasing significantly
- 1% tax on remittances sent to foreign countries
These adjustments not only make it harder for families to apply for protection or work authorization but may also discourage legal compliance due to affordability issues.
Orange Law Insight:
Legal immigration should be accessible to all, not just the wealthy. We recommend that you do not delay the application process and consult a qualified attorney so that you clearly understand the waiver eligibility and other legal options.
4. Reduction in Social Support and Legal Aid Access
Another lesser-known aspect of the BBB is its impact on social services for immigrants. The bill includes restrictions on public benefit eligibility, legal assistance funding, and humanitarian protections.
What this includes:
- Limits on Medicaid, SNAP, and family welfare programs
- Defunding of legal aid clinics that help immigrants with court representation
- Cuts to immigration courts, despite an expected surge in case volume
People who are trying to stay in the US legally, such as asylum or refugee applicants, may be most affected by these changes.
Orange Law Insight:
When access to essential services is removed, the situation can become very serious for vulnerable people. Orange Law is committed to providing pro bono help in such high-risk deportation and humanitarian cases.
Orange Law’s Perspective: Navigating the Storm Ahead
The Big Beautiful Bill may be framed as a legislative response to border control, but its reach goes far beyond enforcement. It affects every layer of the immigration system—from those crossing the border to long-term residents adjusting status or applying for citizenship.
Here’s what we recommend if you or someone you know may be impacted:
- Know your rights: Don’t speak to ICE without an attorney.
- Organize your documents: Keep passports, IDs, and immigration records in a safe place.
- Seek legal advice early: Many of the proposed changes include fast-track removals that offer little time to prepare a defense.
- Avoid notario fraud: Work only with licensed immigration attorneys. Unauthorized agents can do serious harm to your case.
- Stay informed: Laws can change fast. Subscribe to alerts from trusted legal sources like Orange Law.
A Call for Legal Readiness
Trump’s proposed immigration bill represents a dramatic shift in philosophy from balancing enforcement and opportunity to placing emphasis on control and exclusion. Even if this bill is not finalised and faces legal challenges, the changes it can bring are very serious.
At Orange Law, our mission is clear: protect your rights, uphold due process, and fight for a fair immigration system. If you or a loved one is concerned about how this legislation may affect your status, contact us for a confidential consultation.
Need Legal Guidance on Immigration Reform? We are here to help you navigate these complex changes. Schedule your case review today.
