US Tightens Green Card Rules for Married Couples: Here’s Why! The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has introduced stricter guidelines to verify marriage-based green card applications. The new policy, effective August 1, applies to both current and future cases. Its main goal is to prevent fraudulent marriages and ensure that only genuine relationships lead to legal residency.
Stronger Verification Now Required
Under the updated rules, applicants must now provide clearer and more reliable proof of their relationship. Required documentation includes:
- Photos taken after the marriage
- Joint bank accounts and utility bills
- Shared leases or mortgage agreements
- Sworn statements from close family or friends
Couples will also face mandatory interviews. During these sessions, officers will assess the couple’s knowledge of each other and evaluate the authenticity of their marriage.
Greater Focus on Immigration History
In addition to verifying current relationships, USCIS will now examine the applicant’s immigration history more closely. Officers will review past applications and look for inconsistencies or suspicious patterns. If they find serious concerns, they may launch an investigation or even start removal proceedings.
USCIS has warned that even after a green card is issued, further checks could still lead to a Notice to Appear (NTA) in immigration court if the person is later found ineligible.
According to USCIS, “fraudulent or frivolous family-based petitions erode trust in the U.S. immigration system and weaken the integrity of family unification as a core principle.”
Recent Fraud Case Sparks Action
This policy update follows several cases of fraud. For example, Akash Prakash Makwana, an Indian citizen who overstayed his J-1 visa, admitted to entering a fake marriage. He submitted false documents and made baseless claims of domestic abuse in an attempt to secure a green card.
What U.S. Citizens and Their Spouses Should Know
U.S. citizens sponsoring a foreign spouse must now provide strong evidence of their relationship. Acceptable proof includes:
- Joint financial statements and utility bills
- Shared housing documents
- Wedding & personal photos
Letters from people who can confirm the relationship’s authenticity
Couples must also be ready for a detailed interview. Officers will ask about their life together, future plans, and personal facts to confirm that the marriage is legitimate.
Aim: Protect the System, Not Punish Genuine Couples
USCIS says the new policy aims to promote honesty and transparency in immigration. While these changes won’t affect genuine couples negatively, they must still prepare carefully. Submitting a complete and well-documented application will help avoid delays or denials.
In short, the agency wants to ensure green cards go only to legal, committed relationships—not to those trying to exploit the system.
