The Donald Trump administration's efforts to slow legal immigration have also affected the spouses of US citizens, who were traditionally seen as protected. According to NPR, since Trump's return to the White House, a series of measures have been implemented, including visa restrictions on 75 countries, strict scrutiny in green card interviews, and an expansion of deportation scope.
Ashley DeAzevedo, Executive Director of American Families United, said, "Life has become much harder for Americans married to people born abroad." Noting that the organization supports about 1.4 million people in the US and 300,000 abroad, DeAzevedo added, "Many of our members have voluntarily left the country out of fear of indefinite detention."
Special status removed
Sharvari Dalal-Dheini of the American Immigration Lawyers Association said that spouses of US citizens have always had a special status, with no quota or legal status requirement, but the current administration treats them like other immigrants.
Zach Keeler, spokesperson for US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), emphasized that marriage does not provide protection against deportation. Keeler said, "Even an approved I-130 form does not grant immigration status. Anyone who enters without inspection or overstays their authorized period is considered an illegal immigrant and may be subject to sanctions."
What do the numbers say?
According to 2024 data from the Department of Homeland Security, about 343,000 people received green cards through their spouses, accounting for a quarter of all approvals. Applications for family members and fiancés make up nearly half of green card approvals. Processing times averaged 13 months for family members and 7 months for fiancés.
Military families also affected
E., a green card holder born in one of the 39 countries subject to visa restrictions and living in the US for 30 years, said her citizenship application has still not been finalized. Her spouse serves in the US military, and E. noted that their assignment plans to Germany have become uncertain, saying, "This will affect my spouse's readiness for duty. It's not fair for him to be thousands of miles away, worrying about us while also focusing on his job." Despite a federal court finding the visa suspension decision unlawful, no progress has been made on her application.
Deterrent effect
Immigration attorney Eric Welsh said applicants must now be prepared for more questions and to provide proof of "good moral character" during the green card process. Welsh said, "It's important to understand that spouses are vulnerable. There is no unconditional right to remain in the country or change status."
DeAzevedo added that the new policies have created a strong deterrent effect, with many families avoiding advancing their immigration processes.
