By Narciso Cruz, The Cruz Law Office
Immigration law in the United States changes frequently. Today, I’ll explain the most recent changes in plain language, so you understand the basics and know there are still real paths to achieving your goals.
Marriage-Based Residency: New Requirements in 2025
An important change affects couples seeking residency based on marriage starting in August 2025. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may conduct longer interviews, more in-depth reviews, and home visits to confirm the relationship is genuine.
A marriage certificate or photos no longer suffice. Authorities may ask for recent evidence of daily life, such as rental and utility contracts in both names, joint bank accounts, expense and travel receipts, and evidence of shared responsibilities.
In some cases, the officer may visit the home to observe how the couple interacts. This may sound intimidating, but it doesn’t mean the case is lost. If the relationship is true and the evidence is organized and clear, there is a good chance of success.
The message is simple: There will be more preparation work, but the approvals keep coming. There are couples obtaining their residency.
The Citizenship Test
Starting in October 2025, the citizenship test will change. There will be up to 20 questions, and 12 correct answers are required to pass. If you reach that goal before reaching question 20, the test ends. It’s a greater challenge, although it also offers more opportunities to demonstrate your knowledge. If you study consistently, you can achieve it, too.
Asylum and Court Processes
The government is seeking to reduce wait times for asylum cases. Some people will have interviews sooner, sometimes within months. It can be a positive because the decision comes sooner, but it also leaves less time to gather evidence or find a lawyer. For this reason, it’s best to take action right away and not wait for the appointment. Asylum is still a real pathway, and cases are approved every month.
Work Permits
Work permits are essential for those awaiting an immigration decision. In recent months, procedures have been simplified so that asylum seekers and applicants to other humanitarian programs get them more quickly. Every day, immigrants obtain their cards and can work legally, which provides stability for families while their cases move forward.
Humanitarian Visas
There are also improvements to humanitarian visas, such as the U Visa for victims of crime and the T Visa for victims of trafficking. An important change is that it’s possible to get a provisional work permit while the case is pending. These visas may take time, but they are still being approved. Thousands of people get them each year. With patience and a well-documented file, you don’t need to lose hope.
The Importance of Accurate Information
There is a lot of misinformation in the community. Sometimes people follow advice from acquaintances or rumors on social media. Although the intention is good, such information can harm a case. Confirm with official sources like USCIS or seek experienced legal help. Every case is different, and what worked for one neighbor may not necessarily work for you.
Practical Tips
- Start studying NOW if you plan to apply for citizenship.
- Save all your documents, even the simplest ones.
- For residency through marriage, gather evidence of your life together starting today.
- Seek legal advice as soon as possible.
- Remember that the process can take time, but cases are approved every day.
- Don’t trust false promises or magic solutions.
Recent changes show that the immigration system is continuing to move. Some cases become more complicated, while others get new opportunities. Stay calm and hopeful. Visas continue to be approved. Work permits are issued every day. Families are obtaining their citizenship. Others are winning asylum, and genuine couples are obtaining residency through marriage. As an immigration attorney, my commitment is to accompany the community with clear information and constant support. Remember that you’re not alone. With preparation, patience, and faith, results will come.
