U.S. Increases Scrutiny of Green Card Applications from Married Couples

To combat immigration fraud, the U.S. government has tightened the requirements for married couples applying for green cards. Couples will now have to go through more thorough interviews and provide more evidence that their relationship is sincere under the new regulations. This includes exchanging financial documents, joint leases, and even private messages or images that demonstrate the couple's shared lifestyle.

 

According to immigration attorneys, the modifications will lengthen and complicate the process, particularly for recently married couples or those who live apart due to work or family obligations. Some are concerned that couples in real relationships who might not have sufficient documentation may be unfairly denied legal status or have their status unfairly delayed by the stricter guidelines.

 

The new regulations are a component of larger initiatives. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced new guidelines affecting marriage-based green card applications. Starting in November, applications from spouses of U.S. citizens in certain countries—including Venezuela, Myanmar, and China—will face additional scrutiny and longer processing times. These changes also introduce updated paperwork requirements, including proof of legal status in the U.S. The policy is part of a broader shift in immigration enforcement under the Biden administration, particularly for applicants from countries facing political or social instability.

 

In the issued statement, USCIS has made it clear that these amendments to immigration policies are made with consideration to both national security and the international relations of the United States. Critics, including members of the Government Accountability Office, have raised alarms that these changes are an ecosystem of control fashioned by USCIS to deter people from coming to the US.

 

These rules are yet to be made in practice which makes it appears to further restrict immigration, but the administration seems to be doing so intending to build a system that is streamlined, efficient and makes immigration is easier for legality in the US border control, however seems to be charging a hefty fee on a pproving visas in a delayed fashion. Spouse visas as the hurdles through which the admin hopes to stem the flow of immigration. This appears to be a payer listing these issues for practical emission waivers through which the US passage of streamlined borders, if it ever borders, policies, is fair and enforceable.