The administration of President Donald Trump announced new guidelines that increase scrutiny of residency applications based on family ties, which could complicate these processes and expose some applicants to the risk of deportation.
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the new policy aims to ensure that family relationships used to sponsor migrants are authentic, verifiable, and meet legal requirements.
The measure applies to both pending cases and new applications filed since August 1.
“The government is clarifying existing rules, but now with greater emphasis on verification and analysis of family petitions,” explained Haim Vásquez, an immigration attorney.
Federal authorities will now be able to investigate more thoroughly the validity of marriages or other family relationships submitted as the basis for a petition. They will also have the authority to issue notices to initiate deportation proceedings if irregularities are detected or if the applicant is ineligible.
This change affects all family-based processes, including those managed by permanent residents. Even sponsors could be at risk if they have criminal records or prior immigration issues.
“The danger is real, because now an applicant who receives a denial could be summoned before an immigration judge,” warned Vásquez.
Cases like that of Ana Rosa Becerra, who began the process to petition for her brother’s residency from Los Angeles, reflect the concerns of many immigrant families. “It’s sad that they’re asking for more documents, because you’re already paying to help a close family member,” she told the news network.
USCIS also reminded applicants that a family petition does not guarantee legal status nor protect against possible deportation.
Image: DiarioNY
