September F2A filings remain open by the US; Shifts in policy cause green card holders to be watchful
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Green card holders in the United States are currently facing a number of challenges and risks, as a result of changes in immigration policies, increased enforcement, and new proposed laws.
One of the key risks for green card holders is the potential for legal problems and deportation threats. A new bill (H.R. 875) supported by the White House could enable deportation or denial of reentry even for old DUI convictions, a shift from prior protections. Green card holders are advised to maintain clean legal and tax records, and seek timely legal advice if they are impacted.
Another challenge for green card holders is the difficulty they are facing with immigration processes. Fees for applications and work permits have increased, asylum cases are being dismissed more frequently, and visa backlogs remain substantial, including for U visa holders. This leads to long waits and uncertainty for many green card holders.
The Trump administration's return to power has also heightened immigration policy enforcement, with authorities warning green card holders to be cautious, as residency is not guaranteed and can be revoked for certain offenses or failures such as tax non-disclosure.
Some states, such as Ohio, are considering laws to limit property ownership by green card holders near sensitive areas such as military bases, infrastructure, and farmland, due to national security concerns.
Although not directly affecting green card holders' status, federal policy shifts bar undocumented immigrants from certain benefits, leading to increased administrative burdens across communities, which could indirectly affect immigrant integration.
New travel bans since June 2025 also affect many foreign-born residents' ability to reunite with family and maintain stable residency, increasing stress on immigrant communities.
In summary, green card holders in the U.S. are currently facing increased legal and regulatory risks, especially involving criminal records (such as DUIs), stricter enforcement of immigration laws, potential residency revocation, and state-level legal hurdles. They are advised to keep abreast of policy changes, seek timely legal advice if impacted, and consider applying for citizenship if eligible to gain greater security of status.
Adjustment of status applications can be submitted now for the F2A category, but final approvals will only move forward once visa numbers become available. The U.S. State Department's September 2025 Visa Bulletin allows Indian green card holders to file green card petitions for their spouses and minor children under the F2A category. However, the U.S. Visa Office has warned that most employment-based (EB) annual limits may be reached in August and September 2025, making those EB categories unavailable until October 1, 2025.
The revised guidelines by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are intended to strengthen the review process for family-based green card petitions, aiming to bring more clarity and detail to the screening and vetting measures for these applications.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has emphasized that permanent residency is not a guaranteed privilege, and the government may revoke green cards if holders commit unlawful acts while in the country. The proposed bill in Ohio seeks to block foreign ownership of land near military bases, infrastructure sites, and farmland, which is part of a wider national push to address security concerns tied to foreign land acquisitions.
The return of Donald Trump to the White House has rekindled debates over America's immigration policies, including scrutiny of green card holders. Green card holders are facing increased scrutiny under the Trump administration, and it is important for them to be aware of the potential risks and challenges they may face.
- The Trump administration's focus on immigration policies has led to increased scrutiny for green card holders, who may face potential risks and challenges, such as the revocation of their green cards for committing unlawful acts.
- In politics, general news has reported on states, like Ohio, considering laws that limit property ownership by green card holders near sensitive areas, such as military bases, infrastructure sites, and farmland, due to national security concerns.
