Ever since he took office in January 2025, US President Donald Trump has been making changes in quite literally every sector of the government. From moving to reject transgender identity to imposing reciprocal tariffs on countries the US trades with, many changes have been made in the past month. Now, the Trump administration has touched base with a new matter. It has introduced some changes to the green card application process for married couples in terms of updated forms, marriage interviews and increased financial disclosures.
Trump has been cracking down heavily on illegal immigrants, pledging to carry out the largest mass deportation in U.S. history. His administration has already deported almost 100,000 illegal immigrants. Now, as per the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), a green card holder has the right to live permanently in the US, provided that they do not commit any actions that “would make you removable under immigration law.” This includes breaking laws and not filing taxes.
What are the changes in green card marriages?
One of the many ways to obtain an American green card is by marrying a US citizen or green card holder. Then, that person can sponsor their spouse for a green card and get them a permanent residency in the US. One of the changes made by the government in this case is updating Form I-485, “Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status,” released on January 20, in order to apply for lawful permanent residency.
The language alterations made in the new form include two gender identity options and the reintroduction of the term “alien.”
The form now also has a new public charge section, which asks people to disclose their entire household income, their assets, their debts or liabilities and if they have received any public assistance in the country.
Part 9 of the form, related to general eligibility and inadmissibility grounds, includes a question about the highest education degree the applicant has along with a list of certifications, licenses and skills.
Couple interviews are back! Remember the interview that Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock went through when they got married, that one! While there has been no official order on the matter, Trump has stated in immigration-related directives that the US will pursue “enhanced vetting” which the interviews could fall under.
