There have been massive changes to immigration policies and practices since the Trump administration took over in January. Many people who just a year ago felt that their place in the U.S. was secure are worrying about their future.
What about immigrants who marry a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident (green card holder)? Typically, people are able to obtain their own green card if they marry someone who’s a citizen or already has legal permanent residency.
Of course, the relationship and the marriage have to be genuine and not for the purpose of getting a green card. To help prevent “green card marriages” or marriage fraud, immigration officers interview couples before granting a green card and require that they provide solid evidence of their relationship.
Scrutiny of couples has increased
These interviews, according to multiple sources, have gotten more difficult and comprehensive under the new administration. There may be multiple interviews of couples separately and together if U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) personnel suspect marriage fraud. Questions can range from the highly personal to the trivial and mundane.
In addition to more intensive interviews, USCIS personnel can ask for multiple types of documentation and other evidence of a long-term and growing relationship. This can include photos, texts, emails, calendars and more. Not surprisingly, that means the wait for a green card has gotten longer.
Being a real couple is no guarantee of approval
Unfortunately, even some couples in genuine marriages cannot guarantee that their answers to questions and/or documentation will be enough to satisfy USCIS. Some people just don’t do well in these interviews. Further, not all couples have a lot of documentation of their relationship.
If the agency determines that a couple is engaged in marriage fraud, the spouse seeking the green card could be deported. There can also be serious legal consequences for the other spouse.
That’s why now more than ever, it’s crucial for those seeking a marriage-based green card to ensure that their rights are protected and to get experienced legal guidance as early as possible.