Key Takeaways
• Effective June 11, 2025, all green card applications require a new medical exam (Form I-693) to avoid denial.
• Family-based green card processing averages 9.2 months inside the U.S. and 14.8 months consular processing.
• Project 2025 ends Diversity Visa, limits family immigration, expands deportations, and restricts birthright citizenship from Feb 19, 2025.
As of July 17, 2025, green cardholders and those applying for permanent residence in the United States 🇺🇸 face a new and much stricter immigration environment. The Trump Administration, through its Project 2025 agenda, has introduced a series of changes that affect both current green cardholders and new applicants. These changes are already impacting how people apply for green cards, how long they wait, and what risks they face if their status is not secure. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, what actions are required, and what these changes mean for pending and future applications.
Summary of What Changed
The main changes for green cardholders and applicants under the Trump Administration’s Project 2025 are:
- A new medical exam rule for all green card applications, effective June 11, 2025
- Longer processing times and growing backlogs for green card applications
- A push for stricter immigration enforcement and fewer humanitarian protections
- A shift toward a merit-based immigration system, with fewer options for family-based immigration
- New executive orders, including limits on birthright citizenship
These changes are part of a larger plan called Project 2025, which aims to make it harder for people to get green cards unless they meet strict requirements. The plan also increases the risk of deportation for many immigrants.
Who Is Affected
- Current green cardholders: Those with permanent resident status may face more enforcement actions and fewer protections, especially if they have any legal issues or have used certain public benefits.
- Pending green card applicants: Anyone with an application in process, especially those who have not yet submitted a new medical exam, must act quickly to avoid denial.
- Future green card applicants: New applicants must meet stricter requirements and may have fewer ways to qualify, especially if they are applying through family connections.
- People with temporary or humanitarian status: Those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), or similar programs are at risk of losing their protections.
- Children born in the United States 🇺🇸 to noncitizen parents: New rules may affect their citizenship status if their parents are not lawfully present.
Effective Dates
- Medical exam rule: Applies to all green card applications filed after June 11, 2025, and to pending applications without a valid medical exam on file.
- Birthright citizenship executive order: Applies to children born after February 19, 2025, to parents who are unlawfully present or only temporarily authorized.
- Other Project 2025 proposals: Some are already in effect, while others depend on new laws or further executive actions.
Required Actions for Applicants and Green Cardholders
For pending and new green card applicants:
- Submit a new medical exam (Form I-693): All applicants must include a current medical exam form with their green card application. If you already applied but did not submit a medical exam, you must do so now or risk denial. Find the official Form I-693 here.
- Budget for extra costs: Medical exams cost several hundred dollars and must be done by a USCIS-approved civil surgeon. If your application is denied or withdrawn, you must pay for a new exam if you reapply.
- Check your application status: Use the USCIS Case Processing Times page to track your case and see current wait times.
- Prepare for longer waits: Processing times have increased, especially for family-based applications.
- Stay informed about new rules: Project 2025 may bring more changes, so check official sources regularly.
For current green cardholders:
- Avoid legal trouble: Increased enforcement means even minor legal issues can put your status at risk.
- Keep documents up to date: Make sure your green card and travel documents are valid.
- Be aware of new enforcement zones: Protections around schools, hospitals, and religious sites have been reduced, so be cautious in public spaces.
- Consult an immigration attorney: If you have any concerns about your status, seek legal advice from a qualified professional.
For those with temporary or humanitarian status:
- Monitor policy changes: TPS, DACA, and similar programs may be ended or restricted.
- Explore other options: If possible, look for other ways to adjust your status or apply for permanent residence.
Detailed Changes and Their Implications
1. New Medical Examination Requirement
Starting June 11, 2025, every green card application (Form I-485) must include a new medical exam form (Form I-693), even if you already submitted one before. This applies to:
- All new applications filed after June 11, 2025
- All pending applications that do not have a current medical exam form on file
If you do not submit the new medical exam, your application will be denied. If your application is denied or withdrawn and you reapply, you must pay for and complete another medical exam. The exam checks for diseases and makes sure you have all required vaccinations. Only a USCIS-approved civil surgeon can do the exam, and it usually costs several hundred dollars.
This rule makes the process more expensive and complicated for applicants. It also means that if your application is delayed or denied, you may have to repeat the medical exam and pay again.
2. Processing Times and Backlogs
Processing times for green card applications have gone up in 2025. For family-based green cards, the average wait for Form I-485 (adjustment of status) filed inside the United States 🇺🇸 is about 9.2 months. For those applying from outside the country (consular processing), the wait is about 14.8 months. Employment-based green card processing times have also increased, but not as much as during the pandemic.
Receipt notices for standard cases are now issued within three business days, but the overall wait for approval is longer. The new version of Form I-485, released in December 2024, now requires the medical exam to be filed with the application.
3. Project 2025 Immigration Policy Agenda
Project 2025 is a set of proposals from the Trump Administration that would change many parts of the immigration system. Key points include:
- Ending the Diversity Visa Lottery: This program gives green cards to people from countries with low immigration rates to the United States 🇺🇸. Ending it would reduce diversity among new immigrants.
- Restricting family-based immigration (“chain migration”): Fewer people would be able to get green cards through family connections. The focus would shift to a merit-based system, which favors skilled workers.
- Ending humanitarian programs: Temporary Protected Status (TPS), DACA, and similar programs could be repealed, leaving many people without legal protection.
- Expanding expedited removal: Immigration authorities could deport people more quickly, without a court hearing, anywhere in the country.
- Removing protections for sensitive locations: Immigration enforcement could happen in places like schools, hospitals, and churches, which were previously considered off-limits.
- Expanding E-Verify: Employers would have to check every worker’s immigration status using E-Verify, even though the system sometimes makes mistakes and blocks eligible workers.
- Forcing local police to help with immigration enforcement: States and cities that do not cooperate could face penalties.
These changes would make it much harder for many people to get or keep a green card. Family reunification would be limited, and more people would face the risk of deportation.
4. Executive Orders and Legal Changes
On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order that limits birthright citizenship. Children born in the United States 🇺🇸 after February 19, 2025, to parents who are unlawfully present or only temporarily authorized, may not automatically become citizens. This is a major change from previous policy and is likely to be challenged in court.
Implications for Pending Applications
If you have a green card application pending:
- You must submit a new medical exam if you have not already done so. If you do not, your application will be denied.
- Expect longer wait times. Processing is slower, especially for family-based cases.
- Be prepared for more scrutiny. Applications may be denied for small mistakes or missing documents.
- If your application is denied or withdrawn, you must pay for a new medical exam to reapply.
Implications for Green Cardholders
If you already have a green card:
- You may face more enforcement actions. Even minor legal problems can put your status at risk.
- Travel may be riskier. Leaving the United States 🇺🇸 and returning could be harder if you have any legal or immigration issues.
- Protections in certain places are gone. Immigration enforcement can now happen in schools, hospitals, and churches.
- If you have family members who want to apply, their options may be limited.
Implications for Families and Employers
- Families: It will be harder for U.S. citizens and green cardholders to bring family members to the United States 🇺🇸. The end of the Diversity Visa and restrictions on family-based immigration mean fewer options for family reunification.
- Employers: The shift to a merit-based system may help some employers bring in skilled workers, but the expanded use of E-Verify could make it harder to hire and keep workers, especially if the system makes mistakes.
Legal and Advocacy Perspectives
- Immigration advocates say these changes will hurt immigrant communities, reduce diversity, and break up families. They are especially worried about the end of humanitarian programs and the risk of fast deportations without court hearings.
- Policy experts note that while a merit-based system may help some skilled workers, it will make it much harder for lower-income families and people from less-developed countries to immigrate.
- Legal experts expect many of these changes, especially the limits on birthright citizenship and expanded expedited removal, to be challenged in court.
- USCIS officials say they are working to keep processing times reasonable, but enforcement agencies are increasing their activities under the new rules.
Historical Context
The Trump Administration’s first term (2017-2021) brought many immigration restrictions, including travel bans and attempts to end DACA. The Biden Administration then made policies more lenient. Now, with the return of Trump or the continuation of his policies under Project 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 is seeing a return to stricter rules and more enforcement.
Future Outlook
- More legislative changes are likely. The administration is expected to push Congress to pass laws that make Project 2025 permanent, including a full shift to merit-based immigration and the end of many family-based categories.
- Legal battles will continue. Courts will decide the fate of birthright citizenship and fast-track deportations.
- USCIS may add more rules. New requirements could be added to make enforcement easier and reduce the number of people who qualify for green cards.
- Advocacy groups are fighting back. Immigrant communities and their supporters are organizing to challenge these changes and push for new laws that protect families and humanitarian programs.
Official Resources and Next Steps
- Check your case status and processing times: Use the USCIS Case Processing Times tool.
- Find a USCIS-approved civil surgeon: For your medical exam, use the official USCIS civil surgeon locator.
- Get the latest forms: Always use the newest version of Form I-485 and Form I-693.
- Stay updated on Project 2025: Watch for official White House announcements and trusted immigration news sources.
- Seek legal help: If you are unsure about your status or your options, talk to a licensed immigration attorney or a recognized nonprofit organization.
Conclusion and Takeaways
The Trump Administration’s Project 2025 has brought major changes for green cardholders and applicants. The new medical exam rule, longer processing times, and a shift toward merit-based immigration mean that everyone seeking a green card must be more careful and prepared. Family-based immigration is being restricted, and humanitarian protections are at risk. Enforcement is stronger, and legal challenges are likely to continue.
Immediate next steps for affected individuals:
- If you have a pending green card application, submit a new medical exam form right away.
- Check your application status and be ready for longer waits.
- If you are a green cardholder, avoid any legal trouble and keep your documents current.
- If you have temporary or humanitarian status, look for other ways to secure your future.
- Stay informed and seek legal advice if you have questions.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes mark a turning point in U.S. immigration policy, with long-lasting effects for green cardholders, their families, and all those hoping to build a life in the United States 🇺🇸. Staying informed and acting quickly are the best ways to protect your status and your future.
Learn Today
Green Card → Official permanent resident status allowing foreign nationals to live and work in the United States indefinitely.
Form I-693 → USCIS medical exam form required with green card applications to verify health and vaccination status.
Project 2025 → A Trump Administration agenda introducing stricter immigration laws focusing on merit-based criteria and enforcement.
Birthright Citizenship → Automatic U.S. citizenship granted to children born on U.S. soil, now limited by new executive orders.
Expedited Removal → Faster deportation process without court hearings, expanded under Project 2025 across the United States.
This Article in a Nutshell
Project 2025 intensifies U.S. immigration rules, demanding new medical exams, longer waits, and stricter enforcement. Green card applicants face higher costs and risks amid shifting policies focusing on merit-based immigration and limited family reunification options.
— By VisaVerge.com
