Trump-era policy shift means more scrutiny, longer waits for new spouses of US citizens

US Visa

Earlier, marrying a US citizen or a green card holder was a straightforward pathway to getting a one-way ticket to the American Dream. However, now due to recent policy changes, newlywed spouses can no longer anticipate a smooth transition to living in America.

Under the current Trump administration, the automatic waiving of interviews and simplified approval processes that were previously in place under the Biden administration have been discontinued. As a result, each application is now subject to thorough vetting, reflecting the ongoing scrutiny regarding immigration fraud.

The process begins with an interview, which has become more rigorous. If the spouse is located in India, the interview will be conducted by officials at a U.S. consulate, reported Times of India.

However, if the spouse is already in the US on a non-immigrant visa, such as an H-1B, they can apply for a green card (known as adjustment of status). In this scenario, the interview will take place with officials from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Applicants must ensure that all documentation is complete and accurate, and be prepared for intense questioning. "Officers will be looking deeper... leaning into their discretion more often than they did in the Biden years. They are already spending more time verifying marriages and we are seeing an increase in requests for evidence," says immigration attorney Ashwin Sharma.