Hyderabad: The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has updated its policy manual with revised guidelines governing family-based green card applications. The changes clarify eligibility, filing protocols, documentation requirements, handling of multiple petitions and interview procedures.In an official statement, USCIS noted that “fraudulent, frivolous, or otherwise non-meritorious family-based immigrant visa petitions erode confidence in family-based pathways to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status and undermine family unity in the United States.” The revised policy includes clear instructions on who can apply, how petitions involving multiple applicants or sponsors will be handled and when interviews are mandatory. Interviews will now be required in cases where documents are inconsistent, evidence is missing, prior petitions were denied or when the authenticity of a marriage is in doubt. Significantly, USCIS will now have the discretion to deny a petition without issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) if the application lacks a legal basis and no further information could support approval. Further, the updated manual states that filing a family-based petition does not in itself confer any immigration status or shield the applicant from removal. USCIS may issue a Notice to Appear (NTA) if the beneficiary is deemed removable. Petitions filed through Form I-130 will be approved only if the petitioner establishes they are a US citizen, national or lawful permanent resident and proves a valid qualifying family relationship. The USCIS said their priority was to create a robust screening and vetting programme to protect Americans from national security threats and ensure qualifying marriages and family relationships are genuine, verifiable and compliant with all laws.
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