USCIS Reestablishes Screening & Vetting Standards — What It Means for Marriage-Based Green Cards
On August 1, 2025, the USCIS issued a news release announcing that it is reestablishing 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.
Contact Lally Immigration Today!
If you’re in a genuine marriage and planning to file a marriage-based green card application, let us help you navigate these new procedures with confidence.
We charge a flat rate of $3,500 to prepare your complete marriage‑based green card package, including forms, evidence compilation, and interview readiness. For more “basic information” on the marriage-based green card process, visit our website (here).
You’re also invited to a free, 15‑minute phone consultation to review eligibility, discuss total costs, and map out the timeline.
Contact immigration lawyer Dayna Lally at [email protected] for more information.
By being proactive, and working with an experienced immigration attorney, you can ensure your application stands out for all the right reasons under the USCIS’ new, enhanced vetting standards.
Disclaimer: This blog article 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 Reviewed/Updated: 08/06/2025
