Trump Intensifies Scrutiny of Marriage-Based Green Cards

The Donald Trump administration has drastically intensified reviews of permanent residency applications based on marriage. Immigration authorities, seeking to combat alleged fraud, are implementing much stricter measures to verify that transnational relationships are completely genuine. This policy affects thousands of couples seeking to legalize their status in the country.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is currently conducting audits of approximately 300,000 migrants who are applying for the coveted green card. The office responsible for fraud detection uses new tools and strategies to meticulously evaluate the shared lives of applicants, generating significant concern in the Latino community.

Armando Olmedo, an immigration law expert at N+Univision, noted that while basic requirements have not changed, the government’s approach is now much more severe. Authorities now assume an initial stance of suspicion, requiring couples to exhaustively document every aspect of their marriage.

What Are the New Fraud Reviews Looking For?

The fraud detection division of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) exercises unprecedented surveillance. Federal agents can verify information directly with the couple’s employers and even conduct surprise visits to neighborhoods to confirm the relationship.

USCIS Director Joe Edlow recently informed Congress about the results of these strict government policies. He highlighted that since January 2025, agents have made nearly 33,000 fraud referrals, representing a 138% increase compared to the annual average of the previous administration.

In addition to in-person visits, authorities also thoroughly examine applicants’ digital footprints. Edlow confirmed that more than 26,000 detailed reviews of social media have been conducted to identify potential fraud, security issues, or hidden intentions behind the marriage.

Who Is Under Greater Investigation?

Authorities pay special attention to applicants’ prior immigration history. Olmedo explained that if someone entered with a tourist visa or crossed the border undocumented and married immediately afterward, that raises strong suspicions of intentional fraud.

These individuals must present irrefutable evidence of their actual daily cohabitation. «They will have to document it well: joint tax payments, shared bank accounts, health insurance, employment, and photographs,» warned the lawyer specializing in immigration cases.

The current administration also prioritizes confirmation of absolute shared residence. Expert attorneys warn that immigration agents no longer care about excuses for living apart due to study, work, or temporary financial convenience.

What Can Happen During Interviews?

The interview process has become a much more intimidating obstacle. USCIS can call couples for long, rigorous interrogations designed to find any inconsistencies in their shared stories.

In many questionable cases, officers separate spouses to interview them individually about very specific details.