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Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
No happy ever-after? US green card rules made stringent for married couples, check what's changed
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) just made life tougher for anyone thinking of shortcutting the American dream. USCIS drops new bombshell on marriage-based green cards In a policy shift with major consequences for couples seeking green cards, the agency announced it will now apply stricter scrutiny to all marriage and family-based visa petitions, both pending and freshly filed. Why this matters for married couples? The change, effective immediately from August 1, arrives amid an immigration case backlog of over 11.3 million. And it is clear the agency is no longer playing nice. USCIS stated that simply having a family-based petition approved no longer guarantees legal status. In fact, if the beneficiary is found removable, they can now be directly issued a Notice to Appear in deportation proceedings. This tough stance highlights a broader shift: USCIS is doubling down on security vetting and fraud detection, especially targeting sham marriages. What the new rules of green card policy actually say? The updated USCIS Policy Manual dives deep into eligibility, documentation, and the complex handling of petitions filed by U.S. citizens, especially those in the military or serving abroad. Under specific conditions, such as during large-scale disruptions, Form I-130 can be filed directly with the Department of State. The agency will also forward cases to the National Visa Center if a person becomes ineligible to adjust status from within the U.S. These changes are all part of an overarching goal: to ensure that relationships submitted for immigration purposes are 'genuine, verifiable, and compliant with the law.' National security first, love second In its press release, USCIS made it clear that public safety comes first. The agency reiterated that fraudulent petitions not only waste resources but also threaten national security. The new vetting process, they said, will help detect bad actors and allow for swift removal if needed. A former senior DHS official, Morgan Bailey, noted that this move reflects a growing belief within USCIS that its job is more about security screening than simply handing out benefits. What now? If you are planning to file a green card petition for a spouse or family member, be warned: this is no longer just paperwork. Every document, every interview, and every relationship claim will now be placed under a sharper microscope. Love may conquer all, but immigration fraud? Not so much.
Mint
5 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Green card marriage couples: Here's what changes under USCIS's new family visa rules
Green card marriage couples: The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has revised its rules for evaluating family-based immigrant visa petitions, which are often filed by married couples applying for green cards. In a press release issued on August 1, UCIS informed, 'Fraudulent, frivolous, or otherwise non-meritorious family-based immigrant visa petitions erode confidence in family-based pathways to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status and undermine family unity in the United States.' The policy clarifies that approving a family-based petition does not automatically confer legal immigration status. If the beneficiary is found to be ineligible under US immigration law, a Notice to Appear in removal proceedings can be issued. USCIS states that the update aims to clarify current procedures and enhance the agency's capacity to evaluate the validity of marriage-based and other family-related immigration petitions, especially when spouses or immediate relatives seek lawful permanent residency. The update highlights the eligibility criteria, required documentation, interview procedures, USCIS's approach to cases with multiple or related petitions, and the conditions for routing petitions to other government agencies. In the USCIS Policy Manual, issued by the agency, it explains requirements associated with the screening, vetting, and adjudication of family-based immigrant visa petitions, including eligibility criteria, filing, interviews, and decisions. The document explains the circumstances under which USCIS forwards approved petitions to the Department of State's National Visa Centre, particularly if a beneficiary initially applied to adjust status within the U.S. but is subsequently deemed ineligible. The latest update clarifies when U.S. citizens, particularly those in the military or abroad on government assignments, can file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, directly with the Department of State. USCIS indicates that these filings may be allowed under specific circumstances, such as during large-scale disruptive events. The latest update comes into effect immediately.
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Green card rules change for married couples: See the new immigration guidelines
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released updated policy guidance on how family-based immigrant visa petitions are evaluated. These petitions are often used by married couples seeking green cards. Green card rules change for married couples: See the new immigration guidelines (Representational image) "Fraudulent, frivolous, or otherwise non-meritorious family-based immigrant visa petitions erode confidence in family-based pathways to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status and undermine family unity in the United States," USCIS wrote in an August 1 press release. The new policy was published in the USCIS Policy Manual on August 1. It is effective immediately and applies not just to pending petitions, but also to newly filed petitions. What does the policy state? The policy says that approval of a family-based petition does not grant legal immigration status. In the release, USCIS explained that a Notice to Appear may be issued in removal proceedings in case it is determined that a beneficiary is otherwise removable under US immigration law. Read More | Indians in US haunted by one question – can Trump strip them of their Green Cards overnight? What you need to know The update aims to clarify existing procedures. The agency's ability to assess the validity of various family-related immigration petitions, including marriage-based petitions, is strengthened. The petitions in question have spouses or immediate relatives applying for lawful permanent residency. Highlighted in the guidance are eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and interview procedures. The guidance also outlines how USCIS handles cases involving multiple or related petitions, and explains on what conditions petitions may be routed to other government agencies. The document explains when USCIS will forward approved petitions to the Department of State's National Visa Center, especially in cases where a beneficiary originally wanted to adjust status within the US, but was found to be ineligible later. The update also addresses when US citizens can file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, directly with the Department of State – including people who serve in the military or stationed abroad for government assignments. USCIS wrote in a press release, 'This guidance will improve USCIS' capacity to vet qualifying marriages and family relationships to ensure they are genuine, verifiable, and compliant with all applicable laws. USCIS is prioritizing robust alien screening and vetting that protects Americans from potential national security threats. We are committed to keeping Americans safe by detecting aliens with potentially harmful intent so they can be processed for removal from the United States.' Morgan Bailey, a partner at Mayer Brown and a former senior official at DHS, previously told Newsweek, "The Trump administration believes that the primary mission of USCIS is to serve as a screening and vetting agency rather than as a benefits granting agency."
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Immigration Officials Issue Green Card Update to Married Couples
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released updated policy guidance affecting how family-based immigrant visa petitions, commonly used by married couples seeking green cards, are evaluated. "Fraudulent, frivolous, or otherwise non-meritorious family-based immigrant visa petitions erode confidence in family-based pathways to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status and undermine family unity in the United States," USCIS wrote in a press release on August 1. Why It Matters The new policy, published in the USCIS Policy Manual on August 1, is effective immediately and applies to both pending and newly filed petitions. It comes as USCIS is tackling a major backlog of immigration cases, with 11.3 million pending applications. What To Know The policy states that approval of a family-based petition does not, in itself, grant legal immigration status. USCIS said in the release that it may issue a Notice to Appear in removal proceedings if a beneficiary is found to be otherwise removable under U.S. immigration law. According to USCIS, the update is designed to clarify existing procedures and strengthen the agency's ability to assess the validity of marriage-based and other family-related immigration petitions where spouses or immediate relatives are applying for lawful permanent residency. A new citizen holds a packet of documents during a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization ceremony at Florida International University on July 6, 2015. A new citizen holds a packet of documents during a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services naturalization ceremony at Florida International University on July 6, 2015. Wilfredo Lee/AP The guidance outlines eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, interview procedures, how USCIS handles cases involving multiple or related petitions, and the conditions under which petitions may be routed to other government agencies. The document clarifies when USCIS will forward approved petitions to the Department of State's National Visa Center, especially if a beneficiary originally sought to adjust status within the U.S. but was later found ineligible. One notable aspect of the update addresses when U.S. citizens—especially those serving in the military or stationed abroad for government assignments—can file Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, directly with the Department of State. USCIS specified that such filings may be permitted under certain conditions, including in response to large-scale disruptive events. What People Are Saying USCIS wrote in a press release: "This guidance will improve USCIS' capacity to vet qualifying marriages and family relationships to ensure they are genuine, verifiable, and compliant with all applicable laws. USCIS is prioritizing robust alien screening and vetting that protects Americans from potential national security threats. We are committed to keeping Americans safe by detecting aliens with potentially harmful intent so they can be processed for removal from the United States. Morgan Bailey, a partner at Mayer Brown and a former senior official at DHS, previously told Newsweek: "The Trump administration believes that the primary mission of USCIS is to serve as a screening and vetting agency rather than as a benefits granting agency." What Happens Next The new policy is effective immediately.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
US green card rules tightened for married couples: All you need to know
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced new policy guidance to strengthen the way it processes family-based immigration petitions especially those based on marriage. The updated rules, published on 1 August 2025 in the USCIS Policy Manual, are now in effect. They apply to both newly submitted and pending applications for lawful permanent residence (commonly known as green cards). The agency said the changes are part of an effort to better detect fraudulent applications and verify whether claimed family ties particularly marriages are real and legally valid. In its official statement, USCIS said: 'Fraudulent, frivolous, or otherwise non-meritorious family-based immigrant visa petitions erode confidence in family-based pathways to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status and undermine family unity in the United States.' It added that the new rules aim to ensure that family relationships 'are genuine, verifiable, and compliant with all applicable laws.' Couples applying for a green card through marriage must now submit stronger documentation to demonstrate that their relationship is real. This includes: USCIS may also review any previous petitions involving the same sponsor or applicant. In-person interviews will now be required more frequently to assess the validity of the marriage. Officials may ask questions to confirm how well the couple knows each other and to verify details about their life together. Closer scrutiny of immigration history and duplicate filings. USCIS will examine the applicant's immigration history more closely. This includes: The aim is to detect patterns that may suggest misuse of the system or repeated attempts to obtain status through questionable means. The agency made clear that approving a family-based petition does not automatically shield the applicant from removal (deportation). 'We may issue a Notice to Appear if the beneficiary is otherwise removable, since a family-based immigrant visa petition does not grant immigration status or relief from removal,' USCIS stated. Even if a petition is approved, an applicant found ineligible to adjust status could still face deportation. The new guidance also outlines special situations where a US citizen may file a Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative) directly with the US Department of State abroad. This includes: Petitions may be routed for overseas processing If an applicant submits an adjustment of status application within the US but is later found ineligible, USCIS may forward the petition to the Department of State's National Visa Center for further processing outside the US. These updated rules apply immediately to all family-based immigration petitions filed on or after 1 August 2025, as well as those already pending. The full policy guidance is available on the official USCIS website.
