In recent months, the Vietnamese community in the U.S. and Vietnam has been closely following two major developments: a sharp increase in deportations of Vietnamese nationals and significant policy shifts under the Trump administration. This article provides the latest update as of August 2026 and key takeaways for those planning to immigrate or already living in the United States.

Rising Wave of Vietnamese Deportations

According to a New York Times analysis (August 2026), from the start of President Trump’s second term through early March 2026, ICE deported more than 1,200 Vietnamese nationals — far exceeding the combined total of the previous three presidential terms. Numbers have continued to rise in subsequent months.

Particularly affected is the group who entered the U.S. before 1995 (many as war refugees who have lived in America for decades). Previously, deportations of this group were rare due to diplomatic agreements. The current administration is now actively removing them, especially those with criminal records — even if the sentences were completed long ago.

Who is most at risk?

• Green card holders with past criminal convictions (including old cases).
• Individuals with final removal orders that Vietnam previously did not accept.
• Those who violated green card conditions or entered unlawfully.

August 2026 Visa Bulletin – Good News for Family Sponsorship

The August 2026 Visa Bulletin brought positive movement in the F2A category (spouses and unmarried children under 21 of lawful permanent residents):

• The Final Action Date advanced approximately 18 months to July 22, 2026 for most countries, including Vietnam.
• This allows many long-pending cases to move forward to visa issuance or green card approval.

Other family categories (F1, F2B, F3, F4) also saw some progress, though more modest. Vietnam continues to fall under “All Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed” and does not face the severe country-specific backlogs seen in India or China for many employment categories.

Still-Viable Pathways for Vietnamese Applicants

Despite overall tightening, several pathways remain relatively stable for Vietnamese nationals:

• Immediate Relative (spouse/minor children of U.S. citizens): No numerical limit; processing continues normally.
• F2A: Significant forward movement.
• EB-2 / EB-3 (employment-based): No per-country backlog for Vietnam; shorter waits compared to India or China.
• EB-5 Investor: Remains one of the least affected categories.
• Naturalization: Still available, though a proposed fee increase for Form N-400 is under consideration.

Important notes:

• Public Charge rules have been tightened, requiring stronger proof of financial self-sufficiency.
• Background checks, social media reviews, and inter-agency data sharing are more rigorous.
• Those with past criminal records should review their status as soon as possible.

Expert Recommendations

In this rapidly changing environment, Vietnamese applicants and residents should:

1. 1. Carefully review current green card or visa status, especially if there is any criminal history.
   2. Monitor the monthly Visa Bulletin if in a family preference category.
   3. Prepare transparent documentation with strong financial and relationship evidence.
   4. Avoid self-filing or sharing incomplete information without professional guidance.
   5. Consult an experienced immigration attorney for a personalized case assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 1. Can a green card holder with an old criminal conviction be deported? Yes. The current administration is prioritizing removal of individuals with criminal records, even if the conviction is decades old. Immediate legal review is recommended.
   2. Is F2A currently current? The Final Action Date has advanced to July 22, 2026. Many cases can now proceed. Dates for Filing remain Current.
   3. Is Vietnam included in the immigrant visa processing pause? No. Vietnam is not among the 75 countries subject to the temporary pause.
   4. Which pathways are currently the most stable for Vietnamese applicants? Immediate Relative, F2A, EB-2/EB-3, and EB-5 remain relatively more stable options.
   5. What should I do if I am concerned about my status? Contact an immigration attorney promptly for a confidential case evaluation before taking any action.