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Federal Action on Visa Overstays Intensifies After Boulder Terror Attack
In the aftermath of the Boulder, Colorado terror attack on June 1, 2025, U.S. immigration authorities are taking swift and decisive action against visa overstays. Mohamed Sabry Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national who entered the U.S. on a B-2 tourist visa in August 2022, is accused of committing a hate crime using improvised incendiary devices against a pro-Israel rally. The incident injured 12 individuals, including a Holocaust survivor, and has shaken communities nationwide.
Soliman’s visa expired in February 2023, yet he remained in the country and later filed for asylum. Although he received work authorization, which was valid through March 2025, his continued presence in the U.S. is now central to discussions around visa enforcement and public safety.
DHS Launches Aggressive Visa Overstay Crackdown
Responding to the attack, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to conduct expedited reviews of immigration records and take immediate action against individuals who have overstayed their visas.
ICE has also taken Soliman’s wife and five children into custody, launching expedited removal proceedings, while investigating the family’s possible awareness of the attack.
In a bold statement, Secretary Noem said: “There is NO room in the United States for the rest of the world’s terrorist sympathizers. Anyone who thinks they can come to America and advocate for antisemitic violence and terrorism – think again. You are not welcome here. We will find you, deport you, and prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.”
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What Is a Visa Overstay? DHS Clarifies Key Definitions
According to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines, a visa overstay occurs when a nonimmigrant remains in the U.S. beyond their authorized period—either a fixed date or a condition-based term, such as completion of studies or an approved change of status.
There are two key categories:
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Suspected In-Country Overstays – No departure recorded
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Out-of-Country Overstays – Departed after authorized stay ended
In Fiscal Year 2023, DHS reported:
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510,363 suspected in-country overstays
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54,792 out-of-country overstays
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1.45% overall overstay rate, later reduced to 1.02% after status adjustments
(Source)
Legal Guidance: How an Immigration Attorney Can Help
Events like the Boulder attack highlight the growing scrutiny on immigration status in the U.S. For individuals facing complex visa situations—such as overstayed visas, pending asylum applications, or changes in legal status—expert legal guidance is essential.
At Spar & Bernstein, our team of seasoned immigration attorneys provides personalized, strategic support to help you:
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Maintain lawful status
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Apply for legal extensions or status adjustments
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Respond to immigration enforcement actions
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Navigate complex asylum or deportation proceedings
We approach every case with empathy, urgency, and a thorough understanding of current immigration law enforcement trends.
📞 Schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer today at Spar & Bernstein to understand your rights and options under the law.