The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is changing the game for family-based green card applications and not in a good way for many immigrant families.
In a move that has sparked concern among immigration advocates and applicants alike, USCIS recently rolled out a stricter vetting process for family-based immigration petitions. While the agency claims it’s an effort to crack down on fraud and ensure only “legitimate” applications make it through, critics say the new rules could create delays, unjust denials, and extra stress for thousands of families hoping to reunite or remain together in the U.S.
Here’s everything you need to know broken down clearly, without the legal jargon overload.
What Has Changed?
Under the updated USCIS policy, which quietly took effect in mid-2025, adjudicators are now instructed to apply deeper scrutiny to the evidence provided in Form I-130 petitions, the form U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) use to sponsor family members. This includes spouses, children, parents, and siblings.
Here’s where it gets tricky:
USCIS officers now have greater discretionary power to request additional documentation, schedule in-person interviews even in straightforward cases, and deny petitions outright if the initial evidence is deemed insufficient, all without giving applicants a chance to correct or supplement their filing.
What USCIS Says It’s Trying to Do
According to USCIS, the changes are aimed at curbing marriage fraud, document forgery, and misuse of the family-based immigration system. In an official statement, the agency emphasised its “commitment to preserving the integrity of the immigration process and ensuring only bona fide relationships qualify.”
While no one is arguing against fraud prevention, the concern is that the new approach may paint all applicants with the same suspicious brush, putting genuine families through unnecessary hoops.
How This Affects Applicants
If you’re a U.S. citizen or green card holder sponsoring a family member — especially a spouse — here’s how the new rules might hit home:
- More Evidence Expected Upfront:
USCIS is now expecting more comprehensive evidence of a real, ongoing relationship from the beginning. Think: joint bank accounts, leases, insurance policies, photos, travel records, text conversations, and affidavits from friends or family. - Increased Risk of Denial Without RFE (Request for Evidence):
Before, USCIS often issued a Request for Evidence if something was missing. Now, officers are encouraged to deny outright if the initial filing is weak — no second chances. - More Interviews and Longer Wait Times:
Even previously routine cases may be flagged for in-person interviews, which could delay processing times. Interviews that used to be waived — such as those for elderly parents or long-married couples — may now be mandatory. - Higher Legal and Emotional Costs:
Many families may now need the help of immigration attorneys to navigate the tougher process. For some, this means extra financial strain. For others, it may simply be out of reach.
Who Is Most At Risk?
While every applicant is affected to some degree, the following groups may face the steepest uphill battle:
- Couples in long-distance or short-term marriages
- Sponsors with limited financial documentation
- Immigrants from countries labeled “high-fraud risk” by USCIS
- Those filing without the help of a qualified attorney
In these cases, even small documentation gaps or inconsistencies in interviews could lead to denials — and once denied, the appeal process is long, expensive, and uncertain.
What Can Applicants Do Now?
Preparation is everything under the new rules. If you’re planning to file or have already started the process, here are some smart steps to take:
- Frontload your evidence:
Treat the initial submission like your only shot. Go beyond the basics. Include as much documentation as possible to prove the genuineness and continuity of the relationship. - Stay consistent:
Ensure that dates, addresses, and facts match across forms, documents, and interviews. Even small inconsistencies can raise red flags. - Consider legal help:
With the higher stakes, having a licensed immigration attorney can be the difference between approval and denial. - Follow updates closely:
USCIS policy changes don’t always make the news. Stay connected to official updates, especially if you’re applying from a high-risk region or have a complex case.
The U.S. immigration system has never been a walk in the park — but for family-based green card applicants, things just got significantly harder. The new USCIS vetting policy may claim to target fraud, but it risks slowing down and even shutting out countless legitimate families hoping to build their lives together in the U.S.
Whether you’re a sponsor, an applicant, or someone watching from the sidelines, this is a story that deserves close attention and one that will continue to unfold in the months ahead.
