USCIS News: Uniform Baseline of Screening and Vetting Standards
On August 1, 2025, the USCIS issued a news release announcing that it is re-establishing a uniform baseline of screening and vetting standards, effective immediately.
This update, reflected in the USCIS Policy Manual, revives more stringent criteria for interviews and background checks. The USCIS may be stepping up “Stokes–style” interviews, in which spouses are questioned separately and compared for inconsistencies to expose potential fraud.
If you have a bona‑fide marriage – and submit evidence of joint finances, joint tenancy, joint travel, photographs (with date – place – description), and affidavits – these processes are designed to confirm authenticity, not penalize you.
Disclaimer: This post is provided by Lally Immigration Services, LLC for informational and marketing purposes. This article does not constitute legal advice nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship. No reader should act, or refrain from acting, on the basis of any information presented in this article, or elsewhere on this website, without seeking the advice of appropriate legal counsel, or other professional counsel, licensed in the relevant jurisdiction. Lally Immigration Services, LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability with respect to any actions taken, or not taken, based on any content of this article or website. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Last Updated: 08/15/2025
