Washington, Jan 02 (V7N) — Obtaining a US green card through marriage to an American citizen is no longer guaranteed, as new immigration scrutiny under the Trump administration intensifies.

For immigrants in the United States, the Permanent Resident Card, or green card, remains one of the most sought-after documents. While green card holders are not full citizens, they enjoy nearly all civic benefits and may later pursue US citizenship. Traditionally, marriage to a US citizen was considered one of the easiest paths to obtain a green card. However, immigration experts say this is no longer the case.

According to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) rules, the spouse of a US citizen qualifies as an “Immediate Relative” and is eligible to apply for a green card. Brad Bernstein, a seasoned immigration attorney with over 30 years of experience, warns that under the current Trump administration, this process is now subject to strict oversight.

Bernstein, a member of the legal team at the law firm Spar & Bernstein, explained that green cards are no longer granted solely on the basis of marital status. Officers now evaluate whether the couple actually lives together. Couples living separately face a high risk of application denial.

“Immigration officers are not interested in reasons for living apart—whether for work, study, or financial necessity. Their sole concern is whether the couple shares the same household daily,” Bernstein said.

If spouses do not live together, USCIS may question the legitimacy of the marriage and initiate investigations. Even a knock on the door by investigators can heighten the risk of denial. USCIS does not rely solely on the couple’s address; the overall nature of the relationship is scrutinized to ensure the marriage is genuine, not solely for immigration benefits.

US law states that even if a marriage is legally valid, a green card application can be rejected if there is no intent to cohabit and the union is deemed to circumvent immigration law. As part of this tightening, the Trump administration has also reduced the validity of work permits for green card applicants to 18 months.

International media reports indicate that the Trump administration has imposed unprecedented restrictions on the green card program. According to Reuters, on December 16, President Trump ordered a review of green cards for citizens of 19 “high-risk” countries following incidents in Washington, D.C., and at Brown University where green card holders were allegedly involved. Previously, the administration had also suspended the Diversity Visa Lottery program.

Bernstein advises couples who are married but living separately to seek legal guidance before submitting any documentation, due to the heightened risk of application denial under the current regulations.

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