Trump Administration’s Heightened Scrutiny of Spouses of U.S. Citizens

Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in 2023, the administration has introduced a series of immigration policy changes that expand scrutiny to spouses of U.S. citizens. Measures include pausing immigrant visas for 75 countries, imposing tighter interview protocols, and extending deportation criteria to marriage-based applicants. The shift overturns the long-standing view that “spouses of U.S. citizens aren’t subject to the immigrant quotas” and treats them as a “privileged class” now subject to the same vetting as other migrants.

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Historically, marriage-based immigration petitions (Form I-130) have been exempt from numerical caps and enjoyed relatively swift processing. Data from the Department of Homeland Security show that in 2024 roughly 343,000 green cards were issued through spousal petitions—about a quarter of all approvals. The Trump administration argues that prior presidents failed to scrutinize these applications sufficiently and that the new rules are a lawful alignment with existing immigration statutes.

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• 2024: 343,000 spousal green-card approvals (?25% of total).

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• 2026 fiscal Q1: 167,401 immediate-family relative petitions and 8,612 fiancé petitions approved.

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• Approximately 1.4 million U.S. citizens seeking spousal assistance reside in the United States; an additional 300,000 are abroad.

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• A federal judge has declared the visa-pause unlawful, yet many cases remain stalled.

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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) spokesperson Zach Kahler emphasized that “verifying identities and personal histories of all people seeking immigration benefits…requires a rigorous process—one that prioritizes the safety of the American people.” He clarified that “a pending or approved Form I-130…does not confer any immigration status” and that all aliens must comply with immigration law. The administration maintains that the heightened measures are consistent with statutory authority and aim to prevent security risks.

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Advocacy groups argue the policies have produced a “chilling effect” on families. Ashley DeAzevedo, executive director of American Families United, noted that “life has become a lot more difficult for Americans who are married to somebody who is not born in this country.” Immigrant attorney Eric Welsh warned that “spouses are vulnerable” and that there is “no absolute right to remain” or to adjust status. Families report self-deportation, prolonged detention, and disrupted military readiness for service members whose spouses face delayed citizenship.

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While USCIS asserts the new procedures are lawful, a federal judge has ruled the visa-pause unlawful, yet no expedited relief has been granted. Additionally, USCIS data indicate processing times remain near pre-policy levels (average 13 months for family petitions), but affected families cite far longer waits due to additional interviews and document requests, creating a discrepancy between official metrics and lived experience.

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• “Life has become a lot more difficult for Americans who are married to somebody who is not born in this country,” — Ashley DeAzevedo, Executive Director, American Families United

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• “But this administration is treating them like all other immigrants.” — Sharvari Dalal-Dheini, Senior Director of Government Relations, American Immigration Lawyers Association

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• “A pending or approved Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, does not confer any immigration status.” — Zach Kahler, USCIS Spokesperson

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• “We are due to [move] to Germany,” — E., Green-card holder (anonymous)

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• “That'll mess up his readiness [for military service],” — E., Green-card holder (anonymous)

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• “What's important to keep in mind is that spouses are vulnerable,” — Eric Welsh, Immigration Attorney

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The administration has not announced a timeline for easing the heightened scrutiny. Advocacy groups continue to press for legislative clarification and for courts to enforce the judge’s ruling on the visa pause. Families awaiting citizenship or green-card adjustments remain in limbo as USCIS implements the new interview and documentation protocols.

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