USCIS Updates Green Card Policy for Family-Based Petitions

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented new policy guidance for family-based immigrant visa petitions, particularly affecting married couples seeking green cards. The updated policy, effective immediately, applies to both pending and new petitions and clarifies that approval of a family-based petition does not automatically grant legal immigration status. USCIS indicates the changes are designed to enhance the agency's ability to assess the validity of marriage-based and other family-related immigration applications.