There’s more scrutiny for spouses of U.S. citizens under Trump : NPR
NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-06 04:00:00 — www.npr.org
Trump Administration’s Immigration Crackdown Hits Spouses of U.S. Citizens
The Trump administration’s sweeping effort to slow the rate of legal migration has extended to a group that was traditionally protected: spouses of U.S. citizens. Since President Trump returned to the White House last year, his administration has implemented a series of policy changes, including pausing immigrant visas for people from 75 countries, increasing scrutiny at green-card interviews, and broadening the scope of deportation targets. These measures have affected all immigrants, including those seeking to enter or remain in the country through marriage.
Policy Changes and Their Impact
The administration has argued that previous presidents should have scrutinized marriage-based immigration applications more closely. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), under Trump’s direction, claims it is simply complying with the law and prioritizing the safety of Americans by “more thoroughly screening and vetting all aliens.” According to a USCIS spokesperson, marrying a U.S. citizen and starting the petition process does not protect someone from deportation, and a pending or approved Form I-130 does not confer immigration status. The administration’s position is that “all aliens are expected to comply with U.S. immigration laws,” and those who entered without inspection or overstayed are considered “illegal aliens who may be subject to immigration enforcement action.”
Consequences for Families
These policies have led to significant hardship for American families. Some non-citizen spouses have been separated from their loved ones or have chosen to leave the country out of fear of indefinite detention. Advocates and immigration lawyers report that this is a departure from past practice, where spouses of U.S. citizens were generally not swept up in broader enforcement efforts and were considered a privileged class under immigration law.
The administration’s approach has also resulted in chaos for military families. For example, a green-card holder married to a U.S. citizen and born in a country subject to Trump’s travel ban has seen her citizenship application stalled, with no exceptions even for military spouses. Despite a federal judge ruling the pause unlawful, her case remains unresolved, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of these policies.
Increased Scrutiny and Chilling Effect
Trump’s policies have instructed USCIS officers to conduct more interviews and encouraged consideration of whether applicants returned to their home country to apply for a green card. Those who remain in the U.S. may face longer and more intrusive vetting. Additionally, Trump has asked financial institutions to review the bank accounts of those in the U.S. without permanent status, further increasing the pressure on immigrant families.
Advocates say these changes have created a chilling effect, discouraging families from engaging with the immigration system. The heightened scrutiny and uncertainty have left many spouses and fiancés without legal status and fearful of moving forward with their cases.
Conclusion
President Trump’s administration has fundamentally altered the landscape for spouses of U.S. citizens seeking legal status. By treating them like all other immigrants and subjecting them to increased enforcement and scrutiny, the administration has upended long-standing protections and created widespread fear and instability for countless American families. The effects of these policies continue to ripple through communities, leaving many in limbo and uncertain about their future in the United States.