US Major Immigration Changes in 2025

In 2025, the U.S. immigration system underwent significant changes that have impacted Green Card holders, international students, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients. These include stricter regulations, longer wait times, and new registration requirements. Here’s what you need to know—and what actions to take.

🟢 Green Card Delays

🔄 What Changed:

Green Card renewal and replacement applications (Form I-90) now take over one year for 80% of applicants due to processing backlogs.

👥 Who’s Affected:

• All Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) needing to renew or replace their Green Card.

✅ What to Do:

• Apply at least 18 months before your card expires.
• Use the latest version of Form I-90 (older versions will be rejected).
• Keep your I-90 receipt notice to prove your status for work or travel.

⚠️ TPS Ending for Honduras and Nicaragua

🔄 What Changed:

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Honduras and Nicaragua will end in September 2025, impacting over 70,000 people.

👥 Who’s Affected:

• TPS holders from Honduras 🇭🇳 and Nicaragua 🇳🇮, many of whom have lived in the U.S. since the 1990s.

✅ What to Do:

• Seek legal advice immediately.
• Explore other options: asylum, family-based, or employment-based visas.
• Prepare for loss of work authorization and possible deportation.

📝 Mandatory Alien Registration

🔄 What Changed:

As of April 11, 2025, all non-citizens aged 14+ must register with USCIS under Executive Order 14159.

👥 Who’s Affected:

• All non-citizens, including international students and Green Card holders, staying in the U.S. for 30+ days.
• Children under 14 must be registered by a parent or guardian.

✅ What to Do:

1. Create a USCIS account: uscis.gov/alienregistration
2. Submit Form G-325R online.
3. Attend a biometrics appointment, if required.
4. Download and carry proof of registration if you’re 18 or older.

⚠️ Penalties:

• Fines or jail for non-compliance.
• Failure to register may affect current or future immigration cases.

Stricter Marriage-Based Green Card Rules

🔄 What Changed:

USCIS now enforces:

• Use of the most recent editions of Forms I-485, I-130, and I-129F.
• Increased fraud detection and interview scrutiny.

✅ What to Do:

• Only use updated forms from the official USCIS website.
• Double-check form dates and details.
• Prepare for more interviews and requests for evidence (RFEs).

🧾 Project 2025 Immigration Proposals (Under Consideration)

📌 Possible Future Changes:

• Deportations from sensitive locations like schools and hospitals.
• Faster removals without court hearings.
• Termination of TPS, DACA, and the Diversity Visa Lottery.
• Reduced family-based immigration in favor of a merit-based system.

✅ Advice:

• Stay up to date with policy changes.
• Consult an immigration attorney if you fall into a vulnerable category.

📊 Summary Table: Key 2025 Immigration Changes

🎓 Implications for International Students

• Must register with USCIS and carry proof.
• Stricter enforcement and faster deportation without court hearings.
• Visa delays are likely.
• Falling out of status may result in immediate removal.

✅ What You Should Do Now

• ✅ Register with USCIS if required.
• ✅ Apply early for Green Card renewals.
• ✅ Use latest immigration forms only.
• ✅ Stay updated on official USCIS announcements.
• ✅ Seek legal assistance if impacted by TPS or other policy changes.

📘 Glossary of Key Terms

• Green Card → U.S. permanent resident card.
• TPS → Temporary protection for nationals of unsafe countries.
• USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
• Alien Registration → Biographic registration requirement for all non-citizens.
• Marriage-Based Green Card → Residency obtained through marriage to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

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