🚦 Extra Red Lights: Why Even “Easy” Cases Face More Questions

This Week’s Immigration News Highlights

• Trump Admin: Review all 55M Visa Holders for Potential Rule Violations

• U.S. First Time Drop Of Immigrants in Decades

• U.S. Upcoming Visa Reviews to Check for “anti-Americanism”

For KC 🐈

Scrutiny Intensifies: USCIS Now Wants Receipts, Literally

Starting August 1, USCIS is intensifying its scrutiny of family-based green card petitions. Even straightforward I-130s, think long-married couples with shared kids and tax returns, could face more interviews and document requests. If you’re prepping a case, it’s time to level up.

What’s Going On?

Under new internal guidance, officers are being told: don’t assume anything. That means more in-person interviews and more RFEs, even when cases look solid. Red flags? Think age differences, cultural gaps, or speedy courtships. These don’t disqualify you, but they do raise questions.

For Attorneys: A Smart Pre-File Checklist

1. Cohabitation Proof: Joint leases, mortgages, bills.
   

2. Financial Ties: Shared bank accounts, taxes, insurance.
   

3. Life Evidence: Parenting, shared responsibilities, household chores.
   

4. Communication: Texts, emails, yes, even DMs.
   

5. Photos: Not just your wedding, show everyday life.
   

6. Affidavits: Statements from friends or family who can vouch for the relationship.
   

For Couples: How to Think Like an Adjudicator

Even if your relationship is real, you’ve got to build the case like it’s not. Organize your evidence. Clarify anything that could be misread. No joint lease because of housing rules? Explain it. USCIS isn’t judging your love; they’re checking for fraud.

Try your best to keep calm, it’s just a heads-up that adjudicators are being more cautious. Be clear, be thorough, and don’t wing it.

The Bottom Line

The law didn’t change, but how it’s being applied just did. For couples and attorneys alike, the message is clear: document everything, prep early, and expect questions. This is one of those moments where the “boring paperwork” really matters.

In Closing!

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Enjoy these last weeks of summer! ☀️