In recent days, many marriage green card applicants have become alarmed after reading headlines and social media posts claiming that USCIS is “ending adjustment of status” or requiring applicants to return to their home countries for consular processing.
At Green Family Immigration Law, we have received a significant increase in calls and emails from worried couples asking whether they can still apply for a marriage green card inside the United States.
Here is what you actually need to know.
Is USCIS Eliminating Marriage Green Card Adjustment of Status?
No.
As of now, USCIS is still processing marriage-based adjustment of status applications for eligible applicants inside the United States, including spouses of U.S. citizens.
The recent USCIS policy memo does not eliminate adjustment of status eligibility. However, it does appear to place greater emphasis on discretionary review, credibility, immigration history, and overall case preparation.
In practical terms, this means USCIS officers may:
- ask more detailed interview questions
- more closely examine immigration history
- more heavily scrutinize intent at entry
- and place greater focus on whether applicants deserve favorable discretion
What Is Adjustment of Status?
Adjustment of status is the process that allows certain immigrants already inside the United States to apply for permanent residence (“green card”) without leaving the country.
For marriage green card cases, this often applies to:
- spouses of U.S. citizens
- applicants who entered lawfully on tourist visas
- F-1 students
- H-1B workers
- DACA recipients with lawful entry
- and certain applicants who overstayed their visas
What Is USCIS Looking at More Closely Now?
Based on recent interview trends and the language of the memo, USCIS officers may increasingly focus on:
1. Original Intent When Entering the United States
Officers may ask:
- Why did you originally come to the U.S.?
- Did you intend to immigrate when you entered?
- When did you decide to get married?
- Why did you remain in the United States?
This is especially important in cases involving:
- B-1/B-2 visitor visas
- ESTA entries
- recent entries followed by marriage
- and long overstays
2. Immigration History
USCIS may review:
- prior overstays
- unauthorized employment
- DACA history
- prior petitions
- removal proceedings
- prior visa applications
- and consistency across prior filings
3. Bona Fide Marriage Evidence
Marriage green card cases remain heavily evidence-based.
USCIS officers continue to expect strong evidence showing a real marital relationship, including:
- joint leases
- bank accounts
- insurance
- taxes
- photos
- travel
- children together
- and proof of shared life
Are Marriage Green Card Interviews Changing?
In many cases, yes.
Recently, some officers have started asking applicants additional questions such as:
- Why didn’t you pursue consular processing?
- Why are you applying inside the United States?
- What changed after your entry?
- Why did you overstay?
This does not mean the case will be denied. However, it does mean interview preparation is becoming more important than ever.
Should You Still Apply for a Marriage Green Card?
Every case is different.
Strong cases with:
- lawful entry
- genuine marriages
- consistent immigration history
- and strong supporting evidence continue to be approved every day
However, couples should avoid relying on misinformation from TikTok, Reddit, or generalized headlines online. Immigration strategy should always be evaluated individually based on the specific facts of the case.
How Green Family Immigration Law Prepares Marriage Green Card Cases
At Green Family Immigration Law, marriage green card cases are our primary focus.
We carefully prepare clients for:
- adjustment of status filings
- USCIS interview preparation
- discretionary review concerns
- intent-at-entry issues
- DACA-based adjustment cases
- tourist visa marriage cases
- and complex immigration histories
As USCIS scrutiny increases, proper preparation, consistency, and strategy matter more than ever.
If you are considering applying for a marriage green card or recently received an interview notice, our office can help you evaluate your options and prepare your case carefully.
