If you’re a U.S. citizen or green card holder trying to bring your spouse to the U.S., brace yourself—2025 might be the toughest year yet. Immigration lawyers warn that new policies, staffing shortages, and increasing backlogs are making family-based immigration painfully slow, if not nearly impossible.
Why Are the Delays Getting Worse?
According to immigration attorney Abhisha Parikh, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is now requiring in-person interviews for all cases, adding months—sometimes years—to processing times. To make matters worse, a hiring freeze at USCIS and other immigration agencies means fewer officers to handle the growing workload, pushing wait times beyond two years.
A recent change to the visa interview waiver program is also causing chaos. On February 18, 2025, the State Department removed interview waivers for first-time H-2 visa applicants and cut the renewal window for certain visas from 48 months to just 12 months. This means more people need to attend in-person interviews, further clogging the system.
Tougher Scrutiny on Marriage-Based Green Cards
If you’re applying for a green card through marriage, expect more delays and tougher scrutiny. Immigration attorney Jacob Sapochnick says that increased background checks, home visits from immigration officers, and deeper fraud investigations are now routine—even for genuine couples.
“Even a small mistake—missing a document, giving unclear answers during an interview—can be a red flag,” Sapochnick explains. “That could mean months of extra delays, requests for more evidence, or even a home visit.”
Will the Public Charge Rule Make Things Worse?
Another concern is the potential return of the public charge rule, which would make it harder for spouses to qualify if they don’t meet strict financial requirements. If reintroduced, U.S. sponsors may need to provide credit reports, asset records, and proof of financial stability, while the foreign spouse’s history with public benefits will be closely examined.
What Can You Do?
If you’re planning to apply for a marriage-based green card, experts suggest acting fast and preparing thoroughly to avoid unnecessary setbacks:
- File your application ASAP before new rules take effect.
- Double-check your documents to prevent mistakes that could delay your case.
- Contact your congressperson if your case is stuck at the National Visa Center (NVC).
- Consider legal action—a writ of mandamus lawsuit could push USCIS to act if your case is unreasonably delayed.
- Be prepared for an interview and, if necessary, a home visit from immigration officers.
With these growing challenges, navigating the immigration system in 2025 won’t be easy. But with careful planning, legal guidance, and a strong application, couples still have a chance to get through the process—despite the roadblocks ahead.
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