Green card applications from married couples will now require more convincing evidence of their relationship. This includes time-stamped photos, joint bank records, buddy affidavits, and more.
New rules have been released by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with the goal of improving the screening procedure for applications for family-based immigrant visas. Many applicants from India, which continues to be one of the main sources of family-sponsored green card petitions, may be impacted by the decision. What has changed is as follows.
Stricter Guidelines for Family-Based Green Card Applications Are Announced by the US
With a particular emphasis on marriage-based petitions, the US has once again tightened the regulations governing family-based green card applications. These revised rules will take effect immediately for all new and pending petitions, including those submitted by US residents and green card holders supporting overseas spouses and family members, according to a News18 article.
However, why the abrupt shift? Fraudulent, frivolous, or non-meritorious petitions that abuse the family-based immigration procedure are allegedly the target of the agency’s crackdown. The objective is to increase USCIS’s “ability to vet qualifying marriages and family relationships to ensure they are genuine, verifiable, and comply with all applicable laws,” according to reported USCIS policy.
Which Requirements Have Changed?
Stricter qualifying requirements, filing processes, and interviews are part of the updated policy. Couples must now provide more solid and substantiated proof to demonstrate the authenticity of their connection in marriage-based applications. Affidavits from family and friends, photographs (taken over time), and shared financial documents such bank statements, leases, and mortgages are all included.
USCIS will also conduct more rigorous in-person interviews. The USCIS policy manual now makes it clear that the agency would also examine petitions involving children, parents, or siblings more closely, according to an India Today story. These petitions ought to be authentic, well-supported by documentation, and legitimate under the law.
Indian citizens will probably be significantly impacted. Obtaining a US green card is already challenging, and because of backlogs, wait durations can reach years or even decades. In addition to lengthening processing timeframes, these new regulations will demand that applicants provide additional proof and supporting documentation.
It is evident that the United States is making the green card application process more difficult for married couples and families. How do you feel about these new rules? Tell us
