U.S. Immigration Policies: A Challenge for Citizen Spouses
The latest immigration policies under the Trump administration have introduced significant obstacles for spouses of U.S. citizens, a group once considered largely unaffected by such measures. These changes have sparked concerns and difficulties for many families trying to navigate the immigration system.
The administration’s broad strategy to curb legal migration has even reached the traditionally protected group of U.S. citizen spouses. Policy adjustments include pausing immigrant visas for individuals from 75 countries, enhancing scrutiny at green-card interviews, and expanding the criteria for deportation targets. These measures have impacted immigrants across the board, including those entering the U.S. through marriage.
Legal experts and affected families have reported that non-U.S.-citizen spouses are facing separation from their American partners and are hesitant to engage with the immigration system. Ashley DeAzevedo, executive director of American Families United, expressed, “Life has become a lot more difficult for Americans who are married to somebody who is not born in this country.”
According to DeAzevedo, the organization’s membership has swelled due to these rapid policy shifts, now representing about 1.4 million individuals in the U.S. and 300,000 outside, including those who have left or wish to enter the country.
Sharvari Dalal-Dheini from the American Immigration Lawyers Association noted that while the U.S. has always scrutinized immigrants marrying citizens, this group was generally not included in broader enforcement actions. “Spouses of U.S. citizens have always had a special place under the law,” she stated, highlighting their exemption from immigrant quotas and legal status requirements for adjustment.
Despite this, the current administration insists that all marriage-related applications should be thoroughly examined, as previous administrations did not adequately scrutinize them. Zach Kahler from USCIS explained that the rigorous vetting process ensures the safety of Americans and does not grant protection from deportation solely because of marriage to a U.S. citizen.
Family and Fiancé Petitions: Key Pathways for Green Cards
Immediate family sponsorship, particularly for spouses and fiancés, remains a primary means for U.S. citizens to connect with the immigration system. Homeland Security data from 2024 reveals that approximately 343,000 green cards were granted through marriage, constituting about a quarter of all approvals.
The processing time for family petitions averages 13 months, while fiancé petitions take around seven months, consistent with pre-policy change durations. The number of approvals fluctuates with administrative changes.
Complexities for Military Families
The situation is further complicated for families affected by the travel ban involving over 70 countries. For instance, Es’, a green-card holder married to a U.S. Army member, faces delays in her citizenship application due to the travel ban, disrupting her family’s plans and causing uncertainty regarding their future.
The ban offers no exceptions, even for military spouses, leading to logistical and emotional challenges for families like Es’s.
Increased Scrutiny and Its Implications
Recent policy changes have intensified scrutiny on all immigration applications, deterring families from engaging with the process. USCIS officers are now conducting more interviews, and financial institutions are reviewing bank accounts of those without permanent status. Immigration attorney Eric Welsh emphasizes that “spouses are vulnerable,” highlighting the unpredictability of gaining residency or citizenship through marriage.
This heightened scrutiny has caused many families to reconsider pursuing their immigration cases, as noted by DeAzevedo, reflecting the broader chilling effect on engagement with the process.
