Key Takeaways
• Federal court blocked Trump’s birthright citizenship restriction on July 10, 2025 protecting all US-born children’s citizenship.
• USCIS extended green card renewal validity from 24 to 36 months for Form I-90 filings after September 10, 2024.
• Humanitarian parole processing resumed May 28, 2025, allowing applications from Ukraine, Haiti, Afghanistan, and more to proceed.
Green card holders have seen important changes and legal victories in 2025, even as the Trump administration continues to push for stricter immigration rules. These updates affect not only green card holders themselves but also their families, employers, and anyone with pending immigration applications. Here’s a clear summary of what has changed, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what these changes mean for the future.
Summary of Recent Changes
Several key legal decisions and policy updates have shaped the immigration landscape for green card holders this year:
- A federal court blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to limit birthright citizenship for children born in the United States 🇺🇸 to non-citizen parents.
- Humanitarian parole processing has been restored, allowing thousands of people to move forward with their applications.
- The validity period for green card renewals has been extended from 24 to 36 months for those who file Form I-90.
- The Trump administration’s Project 2025 proposes major changes, but most are not yet in effect.
- Marriage-based green card applications now face stricter document checks and fraud warnings.
Let’s break down each of these updates, explain who is affected, and outline the steps green card holders should take.
Federal Court Blocks Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order
On July 10, 2025, a federal court stopped the Trump administration from enforcing an executive order that would have restricted birthright citizenship. This order tried to deny citizenship to children born in the United States 🇺🇸 if their parents were not citizens or legal residents.
What Changed:
– The court issued a nationwide order, making sure all children born on U.S. soil remain citizens, no matter their parents’ immigration status.
– This decision protects the rights of children born to green card holders, temporary visa holders, and even undocumented immigrants.
Who Is Affected:
– All families with children born in the United States 🇺🇸, especially those where parents are green card holders or other non-citizens.
– Immigrant communities who worried about their children’s future and legal status.
Effective Date:
– The court’s order took effect immediately on July 10, 2025.
Required Actions:
– No new paperwork is needed for children born in the United States 🇺🇸. Their citizenship is protected by law.
– Families should keep birth certificates and other documents safe.
Implications for Pending Applications:
– Any pending citizenship or passport applications for children born in the United States 🇺🇸 should continue as normal.
– There is no risk of losing citizenship for these children under current law.
This legal win brings relief and stability to millions of families. Civil rights groups like the ACLU and the Asian Law Caucus called it a “huge victory,” as it upholds the 14th Amendment’s promise of citizenship for all born in the country.
Restoration of Humanitarian Parole Processing
Another important court decision came on May 28, 2025. A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restart processing immigration benefit applications for people who have humanitarian parole.
What Changed:
– The government must now process applications for people who came to the United States 🇺🇸 under humanitarian parole, a special status given to those fleeing danger or hardship.
Who Is Affected:
– Individuals from countries like Ukraine 🇺🇦, Haiti 🇭🇹, Afghanistan 🇦🇫, Nicaragua 🇳🇮, Venezuela 🇻🇪, and Cuba 🇨🇺 who entered the United States 🇺🇸 through humanitarian parole.
– U.S. sponsors who support these individuals.
Effective Date:
– The order took effect on May 28, 2025.
Required Actions:
– Applicants should check the status of their pending cases and respond to any requests from USCIS.
– If your application was paused, expect it to move forward again.
Implications for Pending Applications:
– Applications that were on hold should now be processed.
– If you have not received updates, contact USCIS or seek legal help.
This decision means thousands of people who were stuck in limbo can now move forward with their cases. It also shows that courts can still check the government’s actions and protect the rights of immigrants.
Extension of Green Card Validity for Renewals
USCIS has made it easier for green card holders to prove their status while waiting for a new card. As of September 10, 2024, the automatic extension period for green card renewals has increased from 24 months to 36 months.
What Changed:
– When you file Form I-90 to renew your green card, your receipt notice now extends your status and work authorization for 36 months.
Who Is Affected:
– All green card holders who need to renew their cards.
Effective Date:
– This change applies to all Form I-90 applications filed on or after September 10, 2024.
Required Actions:
– File Form I-90 before your card expires. Use the latest version from the USCIS Forms page.
– Keep your receipt notice as proof of your legal status and work authorization.
– If you lose your green card, you can request an ADIT stamp from a USCIS field office as temporary proof.
Implications for Pending Applications:
– Those waiting for a new green card can use the receipt notice for up to 36 months.
– Employers should accept the receipt notice as proof of work eligibility.
This update helps green card holders avoid problems at work or when traveling while waiting for a new card.
Project 2025 and Proposed Immigration Overhaul
The Trump administration’s Project 2025 is a set of proposals that could bring big changes to immigration. While most are not yet law, they show the direction the administration wants to take.
Key Proposals:
– End protections for DACA recipients, TPS holders, and humanitarian parolees.
– Expand expedited removal, allowing for faster deportations without court hearings.
– End the Diversity Visa Lottery and limit family-based immigration, moving to a merit-based system.
– Increase ICE enforcement in places like schools, hospitals, and churches.
– Require all employers to use E-Verify, which could affect green card holders if there are mistakes in the system.
– Involve local police more in immigration enforcement, with penalties for those who do not cooperate.
Who Is Affected:
– Green card holders, especially those with past legal issues or family members seeking to immigrate.
– DACA recipients, TPS holders, and humanitarian parolees.
– Employers and families who sponsor immigrants.
Effective Date:
– Most proposals are not yet in effect and would need new laws or further executive action.
Required Actions:
– Stay informed about policy changes.
– Keep all documents up to date.
– Seek legal advice if you think you might be affected.
Implications for Pending Applications:
– Applications for family members or humanitarian relief could face delays or new requirements if these proposals become law.
– Green card holders should be ready for possible changes in enforcement or eligibility rules.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, legal experts warn that while recent court victories offer relief, the administration’s broader agenda could still bring major restrictions if fully put into place.
Marriage-Based Green Card Process Tightening
USCIS has made the marriage-based green card process stricter in 2025. This affects anyone applying for a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
What Changed:
– New editions of forms I-485, I-129F, and I-130 must be used. These forms now have more warnings about fraud.
– USCIS is checking marriage evidence more closely, especially for people with past visa overstays or from countries with high denial rates.
– All pages of the forms must match the latest edition date, or the application will be rejected.
Who Is Affected:
– Couples applying for a marriage-based green card.
– Applicants with past immigration problems or from high-risk countries.
Effective Date:
– These changes are already in effect for all new applications.
Required Actions:
– Download and use the latest forms from the USCIS Forms page.
– Provide strong evidence that your marriage is real, such as joint bank statements, leases, and photos.
– Double-check that every page of your application matches the current edition date.
Implications for Pending Applications:
– Applications using old forms may be rejected.
– Weak or incomplete evidence could lead to delays or denials.
Practical Guidance for Green Card Holders
To help you respond to these changes, here are step-by-step actions you should take:
1. Renewing Your Green Card
– File Form I-90 before your card expires. Use the latest version from USCIS.
– Keep your receipt notice as proof of status for 36 months.
– If your card is lost, request an ADIT stamp at a local USCIS office.
2. Marriage-Based Green Card Applicants
– Use the newest forms (I-485, I-129F, I-130) from the USCIS Forms page.
– Gather strong evidence of your marriage.
– Watch for any new rules or stricter checks.
3. Humanitarian Parole or Relief Program Changes
– Check for updates on your case if you are a humanitarian parolee.
– Contact USCIS or a lawyer if your application was paused or denied.
4. General Resources
– USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283
– USCIS Online
– American Immigration Lawyers Association
Implications for Pending Applications
If you have a pending application—whether for green card renewal, marriage-based adjustment, or humanitarian parole—these changes may affect your case:
- Green card renewals: You now have a longer period (36 months) to use your receipt notice as proof of status.
- Marriage-based cases: Make sure your forms and evidence are up to date to avoid rejection.
- Humanitarian parole: Expect your application to move forward if it was paused.
Expert and Community Reactions
Civil rights groups and legal experts stress the importance of staying alert. While recent court decisions have protected birthright citizenship and humanitarian parole, the Trump administration’s Project 2025 could still bring big changes. Community advocates urge green card holders to keep documents current and seek legal help if needed.
Looking Ahead
The future remains uncertain. More court battles are likely as the Trump administration tries to carry out Project 2025. Some changes, like ending the Diversity Visa or limiting family immigration, would need new laws and face strong opposition in Congress. For now, federal courts continue to play a key role in protecting immigrants’ rights.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Green card holders have won important legal protections in 2025, especially for their children’s citizenship and for those with humanitarian parole.
- The Trump administration’s Project 2025 could bring new restrictions, but most are not yet in effect.
- Stay informed, keep your documents up to date, and use official resources like USCIS for the latest forms and instructions.
- If you have questions or face problems, contact a trusted immigration lawyer or advocacy group.
By following these steps and staying alert, green card holders can protect their rights and prepare for any future changes in immigration policy.
Learn Today
Green Card → A document proving lawful permanent resident status in the United States allowing work and residence.
Birthright Citizenship → Citizenship granted to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of parents’ immigration status, under the 14th Amendment.
Humanitarian Parole → Temporary immigration status for individuals entering the U.S. for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit.
Form I-90 → The USCIS form used by green card holders to renew or replace their permanent resident card.
Project 2025 → A Trump administration initiative proposing stricter immigration enforcement and major reforms, mostly not yet in effect.
This Article in a Nutshell
In 2025, key legal victories protect green card holders’ families, including a court blocking birthright citizenship cuts. Humanitarian parole resumed and card renewals extended. Yet, Trump’s Project 2025 threatens stricter immigration policies. Staying informed and updating documents is crucial for green card holders navigating these changes and uncertainties.
— By VisaVerge.com
