At Truong Law Firm, PLLC, we prioritize keeping our clients informed about evolving U.S. immigration policies, especially under the current Trump administration. As of August 27, 2025, USCIS has implemented stricter requirements for Form I-751 (Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence), the process for conditional permanent residents (typically marriage-based green card holders with 2-year cards) to obtain a 10-year permanent green card. These changes emphasize heightened scrutiny to verify the authenticity of marriages, aiming to combat fraud but creating challenges for genuine couples. Failing to meet these standards can lead to denial, removal proceedings, or even deportation—making professional legal guidance essential.

Key Changes and Stricter Requirements

• Mandatory In-Person Interviews: USCIS now generally requires conditional permanent residents to attend an in-person interview when filing I-751. This policy, effective immediately, applies to new and pending cases, reversing previous waivers for low-risk petitions. Interviews focus on probing the marriage’s legitimacy, with officers asking detailed questions about daily life, finances, and relationship history.
• Enhanced Evidence Scrutiny: Expect more Requests for Evidence (RFEs) demanding comprehensive proof of a bona fide marriage. This includes joint bank statements, leases/mortgages, tax returns, insurance policies, photos from throughout the marriage, affidavits from friends/family, and records of shared responsibilities (e.g., child custody, utility bills). USCIS is intensifying reviews for inconsistencies, with shorter response windows (e.g., 30-60 days) and no extensions in many cases.
• Longer Processing Times and Higher Denial Risks: Average I-751 processing is now 12-18 months, with backlogs exacerbated by resource shifts to enforcement. Denials have risen due to stricter adjudication, potentially triggering Notices to Appear (NTAs) for removal proceedings. This aligns with Trump administration goals to limit family-based immigration and prioritize fraud detection.
• Additional Hurdles: Updated forms (e.g., new editions of I-751 as of April 2025) require precise completion, and medical exams (Form I-693) must be current. For divorced or widowed applicants, waivers are harder to obtain, needing even stronger evidence of good-faith marriage.

These updates reflect a broader policy shift toward tougher family immigration standards, as outlined in recent USCIS guidance. Clients with conditional green cards expiring soon should act within the 90-day filing window to avoid status lapses.

Why You Need Professional Help – Contact Truong Law Firm Today

Navigating these stricter rules alone is risky—simple oversights can lead to costly delays or denials. At Truong Law Firm, PLLC, our experienced attorneys specialize in I-751 petitions, helping clients compile ironclad evidence, prepare for interviews, and respond to RFEs. We’ve successfully assisted numerous Vietnamese-American families through similar challenges. Don’t jeopardize your future; schedule a consultation today at (713) 561-5595 or visit our Houston office. We offer bilingual services in English and Vietnamese to ensure clear communication.