Green Card For Marrying US Citizen: Not Anymore!
Applicants are now expected to prove beyond doubt that their relationship is genuine and not entered into solely for immigration benefits.;
Donald Trump has made it his life’s mission to crack down on the immigration policies, and this has started to seriously affect the Indian population. Now he has gone up against one of the most famous procedures followed with Indian community to grab the green card in United States.
Recent reports suggest that marrying a US citizen may no longer be the simple or guaranteed route to a Green Card that many people once believed it to be. While US immigration law still allows spouses of American citizens to apply for permanent residency under the immediate relative category, approvals are now far from automatic.
US immigration authorities have significantly tightened scrutiny of marriage based Green Card applications. Officers are focusing more on identifying fraudulent or convenience marriages, leading to deeper background checks, detailed interviews and a growing number of requests for additional evidence.
Applicants are now expected to prove beyond doubt that their relationship is genuine and not entered into solely for immigration benefits.
Couples are being asked to submit extensive documentation such as proof of living together, shared finances, photographs over time, communication records and statements from friends or family. Even genuine couples may face delays or complications if they live apart due to work or education commitments, as such situations often trigger further questioning.
Another challenge is the rise in application fees and changes in forms, which have made the process more expensive and complex. Immigration officials have also become less tolerant of inconsistencies or missing information.
Overall, marriage to a US citizen remains a legal pathway to a Green Card, but it is no longer a shortcut. Applicants must be prepared for a longer, stricter and more demanding process than before.