Key Takeaways
• Executive order signed January 20, 2025, aims to limit birthright citizenship from February 19, 2025.
• New immigration registration rule effective April 11, 2025, requires some immigrants without legal status to register.
• Updated USCIS rules now enforce stricter forms and fraud detection for marriage-based green card applications.
As of July 9, 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 is seeing major changes in its citizenship and immigration policies. These updates affect who can become a U.S. citizen at birth, how immigrants must register, the process for marriage-based green cards, and rules for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Many of these changes are still being debated in courts and Congress, so it’s important for immigrants, families, and employers to stay informed and ready to act.
Below is a clear summary of what has changed, who is affected, when these changes take effect, what actions are required, and what these updates mean for people with pending applications.
Summary of Key Changes
- Birthright Citizenship: New executive order and proposed law aim to limit automatic citizenship for children born in the United States 🇺🇸.
- Immigration Registration: Some immigrants must now register with the government under a new rule.
- Marriage-Based Green Cards: Stricter rules and updated forms are now in place.
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS): Changes to valid documentation and eligibility for new applications.
- Border and Enforcement: Stronger border enforcement and new restrictions on asylum.
Let’s look at each of these areas in detail, including what you need to know and do next.
Birthright Citizenship: Executive Order and the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025
What Changed?
On January 20, 2025, an executive order was signed to restrict birthright citizenship. This order says that children born in the United States 🇺🇸 on or after February 19, 2025, will not get automatic citizenship if:
- Their mother is in the U.S. without legal status, and
- The father is not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, or
- The mother is in the U.S. with only temporary legal status, and the father does not meet the above criteria.
At the same time, the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 was introduced in Congress by Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. Brian Babin. This bill would make it law that only children with at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident can get citizenship at birth.
Who Is Affected?
- Children born in the United States 🇺🇸 to non-citizen parents: If the executive order or the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 becomes law, these children may not get automatic citizenship.
- Families with mixed immigration status: Parents who are not citizens or green card holders could see their U.S.-born children denied citizenship.
- Immigration advocates and legal groups: These groups are challenging the executive order in court, so the rules may change again.
Effective Dates
- The executive order was signed on January 20, 2025, and was supposed to take effect for children born on or after February 19, 2025.
- However, legal challenges have blocked the order for now, so it is not currently in effect.
- The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 is still a bill and has not become law.
Required Actions
- For families expecting a child: Stay updated on the court cases and the status of the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025. If you are worried about your child’s citizenship, talk to an immigration lawyer.
- For legal professionals and advocates: Watch for court rulings and legislative updates. Prepare to help affected families with documentation and legal advice.
- For those with pending applications: If you are applying for citizenship for a child born in the United States 🇺🇸, check the latest rules before submitting your application.
Implications for Pending Applications
- Current law still applies: As of now, children born in the United States 🇺🇸 are still eligible for citizenship at birth, regardless of their parents’ status.
- If the executive order or law takes effect: Some pending applications could be denied if the child does not meet the new requirements.
- Legal uncertainty: Because the executive order is being challenged in court, the situation may change quickly. Stay in touch with official sources like USCIS for updates.
What’s Next?
- The courts will decide if the executive order is legal.
- Congress will debate the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025.
- According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes could create a system where some children born in the United States 🇺🇸 are not citizens, leading to confusion and possible legal battles for years to come.
Immigration Registration: New Rule Starting April 11, 2025
What Changed?
A new rule requires certain immigrants to register with the U.S. government starting April 11, 2025. This rule affects people who are not already registered through other immigration statuses, such as green cards or work permits.
Who Is Affected?
- Immigrants without permanent status: If you do not have a green card, work permit, or another official status, you may need to register.
- Employers: You may need to check that your employees have registered if they are required to do so.
Effective Date
- The rule took effect on April 11, 2025.
Required Actions
- Check your status: If you are not sure if you need to register, visit the USCIS registration page or speak with an immigration attorney.
- Register if required: Follow the instructions on the official government website to complete your registration.
Implications for Pending Applications
- Pending green card or work permit applications: If you have applied for a new status but have not yet received it, you may still need to register under the new rule.
- Failure to register: Not registering when required could affect your ability to stay in the United States 🇺🇸 or apply for future benefits.
Marriage-Based Green Cards: Stricter Rules and New Forms
What Changed?
In 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated the process for marriage-based green cards. The changes include:
- New editions of key forms: Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) and Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé(e)) have been updated.
- Stricter fraud detection: USCIS is now looking more closely at marriage-based applications to find and stop fraud.
Who Is Affected?
- Couples applying for marriage-based green cards: Both U.S. citizens and non-citizen spouses must use the new forms and follow the updated rules.
- Immigration lawyers and representatives: You must use the latest forms and prepare for more detailed questions and checks.
Effective Date
- The new forms and rules are in effect now. Make sure you use the latest versions:
Required Actions
- Use the correct forms: Always download the latest version from the USCIS website.
- Prepare for more questions: Be ready to provide more evidence that your marriage is real.
- Double-check your application: Mistakes or missing information can lead to delays or denials.
Implications for Pending Applications
- Applications filed with old forms: If you sent in an outdated form, USCIS may reject your application and ask you to resubmit.
- More interviews and checks: You may be called for an interview or asked for more documents to prove your marriage is genuine.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS): Changes to Documentation and Eligibility
What Changed?
As of February 5, 2025, TPS-related documents with a validity date of October 2, 2026, are no longer valid for new applications. People applying for TPS or other immigration benefits must meet new eligibility rules.
Who Is Affected?
- People from countries with TPS: If you are from a country that has TPS, you must check if your documents are still valid.
- New applicants: You must meet the new eligibility criteria to apply for TPS or other benefits.
Effective Date
- The change took effect on February 5, 2025.
Required Actions
- Check your documents: If your TPS document says it is valid until October 2, 2026, it cannot be used for new applications.
- Meet new eligibility rules: Review the latest requirements on the USCIS TPS page.
Implications for Pending Applications
- Applications with old documents: If you applied with a document that is no longer valid, your application may be denied.
- Need for new evidence: You may need to submit new documents to show you meet the current eligibility rules.
Border and Enforcement Policies: Focus on Security and Asylum Restrictions
What Changed?
The Trump administration has put a strong focus on border enforcement and stopping illegal immigration. This includes:
- More resources for border security: Plans for a physical wall along the southern border.
- Stricter vetting: More checks for people trying to enter the United States 🇺🇸.
- New restrictions on asylum: Harder for people to claim asylum at the border.
Who Is Affected?
- People trying to enter the United States 🇺🇸 without documents: You may face more checks and a higher chance of being turned away.
- Asylum seekers: It is now harder to apply for asylum at the border.
Effective Date
- These policies have been rolled out throughout 2025.
Required Actions
- If you plan to enter the United States 🇺🇸: Make sure you have all required documents and be ready for more questions at the border.
- If you are seeking asylum: Talk to a legal expert before traveling, as the rules are now much stricter.
Implications for Pending Applications
- Asylum applications: You may face longer wait times and more questions.
- Border entry: Even with valid documents, you may be delayed or denied entry if you cannot answer all questions.
Key Stakeholders and Their Positions
- President Trump: Supports stricter immigration rules, including the executive order on birthright citizenship, mass deportations, and border security.
- Sen. Lindsey Graham and Rep. Brian Babin: Introduced the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 to limit citizenship at birth.
- Democratic states and immigration groups: Have filed lawsuits to stop the executive order on birthright citizenship, so it is not in effect right now.
Practical Implications for Immigrants and Families
- Birthright Citizenship: If the executive order or the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 becomes law, some children born in the United States 🇺🇸 will not be citizens. This could lead to families being split up or children growing up without a country.
- Higher Barriers: Stricter rules and higher fees for green cards and other benefits make it harder for many people to stay or bring family members to the United States 🇺🇸.
- Legal Uncertainty: With court cases and new laws being debated, rules can change quickly. Always check the latest information before making plans or filing applications.
Immediate Next Steps for Affected Individuals
- Stay Informed: Check the USCIS website regularly for updates on rules, forms, and deadlines.
- Use Official Forms: Always download the latest immigration forms directly from the USCIS website.
- Consult a Legal Expert: If you are unsure about your status or how these changes affect you, talk to an immigration lawyer.
- Prepare Documents: Gather and update all necessary documents before applying for any immigration benefit.
- Monitor Legal Developments: Watch for court decisions and new laws, especially about birthright citizenship and TPS.
Conclusion and Takeaways
The United States 🇺🇸 is making big changes to its immigration and citizenship rules in 2025. The executive order and the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 could end automatic citizenship for many children born in the country, but these changes are not yet in effect due to legal challenges. At the same time, new rules for registration, marriage-based green cards, and TPS are already making it harder for many people to get or keep legal status.
If you or your family could be affected, it is important to:
- Act quickly to meet new requirements and deadlines.
- Stay updated on the latest rules and court decisions.
- Seek help from trusted legal sources.
For more information, always use official government resources like USCIS.gov. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes could have a lasting impact on thousands of families, so staying informed and prepared is more important than ever.
Learn Today
Executive Order → A directive issued by the U.S. president that manages operations of the federal government.
Birthright Citizenship → Automatic granting of U.S. citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, subject to legal reforms.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) → A temporary immigration status for eligible nationals of designated countries facing conditions preventing safe return.
Form I-485 → USCIS application to register permanent residence or adjust status to lawful permanent resident.
Marriage-Based Green Card → A permanent residency permit granted to non-citizens married to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
This Article in a Nutshell
In 2025, U.S. immigration policies changed significantly, affecting birthright citizenship, immigrant registration, marriage-based green cards, TPS eligibility, and border enforcement measures.
— By VisaVerge.com
