The process for obtaining a Green Card through marriage has undergone significant changes during the Donald Trump administration. Among the most notable updates are revised forms, the reintroduction of marriage interviews, and stricter financial disclosure requirements.
These changes are part of a stricter approach to immigration policy, aimed at strengthening security and preventing fraud in the United States immigration system. The reforms are part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten immigration laws.
Since the start of his term, the president has pledged to combat illegal immigration and has taken actions resulting in the deportation of approximately 100,000 undocumented immigrants in the first months of his administration. Additionally, these policies will affect some legal residents, who may also face deportation proceedings despite having no criminal record.
Updated Forms and Financial Requirements
One of the most technical yet significant changes in the Green Card application process is the update to Form I-485, known as the “Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status.” This new version, released on January 20, includes linguistic revisions and new sections designed to gather more detailed information from applicants.
Among the updates, the form now includes a section called “public charge,” where applicants must provide details about their household income, assets, debts, and whether they have received public assistance in the United States.
Immigration attorney Rachel Einbund noted that this measure could discourage low-income or less-educated individuals from applying, describing it as a potential “scare tactic.”
Additionally, Part 9 of the form introduces questions about the applicant’s highest level of education, as well as certifications, licenses, and specific skills. According to Einbund, these changes reflect a more thorough evaluation process, which could complicate applications for some.
Reintroduction of Marriage Interviews
Another major change is the return of marriage interviews as part of the Green Card process. As Einbund explained, this practice had been eliminated in many cases during the Joe Biden administration in 2022 to reduce backlogs in the immigration system. However, under the Trump administration, interviews have been reinstated as part of an “enhanced vetting” policy.
Einbund stated that while no official executive order has been issued on this matter, Trump’s immigration directives have emphasized the need to strengthen controls and ensure marriages are genuine. She advised applicants to provide strong and varied evidence proving the authenticity of their relationship, as this is a key factor in case evaluations.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the implemented policies aim to strengthen fraud detection, prevent identity theft, and ensure that those applying for immigration benefits do not pose a threat to public or national security. According to the spokesperson, these measures are designed to protect the country’s interests and prevent harmful ideologies from being promoted.
As of April 3, all applicants must use the updated Form I-485 for their immigration proceedings. The Trump administration is expected to continue implementing changes to immigration policies, which may include new forms requesting additional information, such as applicants’ social media handles.
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