USA Enforces Stricter Policy on Visa and Green Card Cancellations

Key Takeaways

• June 4, 2025, Travel Ban suspends visas for nationals from 19 countries, applied broadly to family, work, and student visas.
• Green card revocations now possible years later for application flaws, expanding beyond fraud or criminal grounds.
• Student visa applicants face mandatory social media screenings for hostile or illegal content, causing delays and unpredictability.

The United States 🇺🇸 has introduced some of the strictest changes to its visa and green card cancellation policies in recent history, with new rules and enforcement actions taking effect throughout 2025. These changes, announced and enforced under President Trump’s administration, have already affected millions of people worldwide. The new policies include a sweeping Travel Ban, tougher green card revocation procedures, stricter marriage-based green card rules, and expanded social media screening for student visas. Here’s what you need to know about these developments, who is affected, and what steps you can take if you or your family are impacted.

What’s Happening: Key Changes in 2025

On June 4, 2025, President Trump signed a presidential proclamation that suspended entry and visa issuance for nationals of 19 countries. The ban took effect on June 9, 2025, and applies to both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. This means that people from these countries who were outside the United States 🇺🇸 and had not been issued a visa before June 8, 2025, are now barred from entering or getting a new visa. The ban covers family, employment, and student visas, making it broader than the 2017 version.

At the same time, the Department of Justice has started enforcing stricter rules for green card cancellation. In 2025, the government began arguing that a green card can be revoked years after it was issued, not just for fraud or criminal activity, but also if there were flaws in the original application process. This is a big change from past practice, where revocations were usually limited to clear cases of fraud or abandonment.

Marriage-based green card applications are also under tighter scrutiny. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released new versions of key forms, like Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status) and Form I-129F (Fiancé Visa), and now requires applicants to use the latest editions. Officers are checking applications more closely for signs of fraud, especially for people from regions with high denial rates or those with previous visa overstays.

Student visa applicants face new hurdles as well. The State Department now requires all applicants for F, M, and J visas (student and exchange visitor visas) to undergo social media screening. Consular officers review applicants’ online presence for any signs of hostility toward the United States 🇺🇸, support for terrorism, or unlawful antisemitic activity. This new step has slowed down processing and made the system more unpredictable.

Why These Changes? The Government’s Reasoning

The U.S. government says these stricter policies are needed to protect national security, prevent visa fraud, and make sure only qualified people enter and stay in the country. Officials point to incomplete security information-sharing by some countries, high rates of visa overstays, and weak border controls as reasons for the new Travel Ban. The administration also wants to move toward a more “merit-based” immigration system, focusing on skilled workers and reducing family-based and diversity visas.

However, the criteria for the Travel Ban are not fully transparent, and there is no formal expiration or regular review process. This has led to concerns about fairness and possible discrimination, especially since the ban is broader and more permanent than previous versions.

Who Is Affected?

Millions of people around the world are impacted by these changes:

• Families: Many families are now separated, unable to reunite in the United States 🇺🇸 due to the Travel Ban or stricter visa rules.
• Students: International students face more hurdles, including social media checks and longer wait times for interviews.
• Workers: Both skilled and unskilled workers from the affected countries have lost opportunities to work in the United States 🇺🇸.
• Long-term residents: Even people who have held green cards for years are at higher risk of visa cancellation if the government finds problems with their original application.

How the New Policies Work: Step-by-Step

Green Card Revocation Process

1. Notice to Appear: If the government believes there is a reason to revoke your green card, you will receive a Notice to Appear in immigration court.
2. Immigration Court Hearing: You must attend a hearing, where a judge will decide if your green card should be revoked.
3. Legal Defense: You can present evidence and arguments to defend your status.
4. Outcome: If the judge rules against you, your green card is cancelled, and you may be deported.

It’s important to note that if your green card is revoked, you cannot simply file a renewal using Form I-90. You will need to seek legal help and may have to start the process over or appeal the decision.

Marriage-Based Green Card Application

1. Form Preparation: Complete the latest edition of Form I-485, Form I-129F, or Form I-130, making sure all pages match the current edition date.
2. Documentation: Gather strong evidence of a real marriage, such as joint bank accounts, shared housing, children, or affidavits from friends and family.
3. Submission: Send your application package to USCIS with all required documents.
4. Interview: Attend an interview where officers will closely examine your relationship and paperwork.
5. Decision: USCIS will approve or deny your application. If denied, you can appeal or reapply.

Student Visa Application

1. Form Preparation: Fill out the DS-160 form for F, M, or J visas.
2. Social Media Screening: Provide details of your social media accounts for review.
3. Interview: Go to your visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
4. Decision: The officer will decide based on your application and screening results.

Supporting Details: What’s Different Now?

Travel Ban: Broader and More Permanent

The 2025 Travel Ban is wider in scope than the 2017 version. It covers more countries and more types of visas, including family, work, and student visas. There is no set end date or regular review, which means the ban could stay in place for years. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this lack of transparency and review has created ongoing uncertainty for families and individuals affected by the ban.

Green Card Cancellation: Retroactive and Risky

The Department of Justice now says a green card can be challenged years after it was issued, even if the person has lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for a long time. If the government finds a mistake or problem in the original application, it can start removal proceedings. This is a big change from the past, when revocations were mostly for fraud, criminal convictions, or giving up U.S. residence.

Marriage-Based Green Cards: New Forms and More Checks

USCIS has released new mandatory editions of forms for marriage-based green cards. If you use an old version, your application may be rejected. Officers are also looking more closely for signs of marriage fraud, especially for applicants from countries with high denial rates or those with past visa overstays. You must provide strong proof that your marriage is real.

Student Visa Screening: Social Media Under the Microscope

All student and exchange visitor visa applicants must now provide their social media handles. Officers check for any signs of anti-U.S. views, support for terrorism, or unlawful antisemitic activity. This process is subjective, and some worry it could lead to unfair denials or discourage qualified students from applying.

Background: How Did We Get Here?

The 2025 changes build on earlier policies, including the 2017 Travel Ban, but go much further. The new rules are part of a broader plan known as “Project 2025,” which aims to:

• End the Diversity Visa Lottery
• Limit family-based immigration
• Repeal programs like DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and TPS (Temporary Protected Status)

The administration has also directed immigration authorities to focus enforcement in Democratic-run cities and has increased raids, even in sensitive places like schools and hospitals. These actions have raised concerns about civil rights and wrongful detentions.

Implications for Stakeholders

For Immigrants and Families

• Increased Scrutiny: Every application is checked more closely, and small mistakes can lead to denial or visa cancellation.
• Longer Wait Times: Processing is slower due to more checks and social media screening.
• Higher Risk: Even long-term residents can lose their green card if the government finds a problem with their original application.

For Students

• Deterrence: The new social media rules may discourage some students from applying to U.S. schools.
• Uncertainty: The subjective nature of the screening means qualified students could be denied for unclear reasons.

For Employers

• Limited Access to Talent: The Travel Ban and stricter visa rules make it harder to hire skilled workers from affected countries.
• Unpredictability: Sudden changes in policy can disrupt hiring plans and workforce stability.

For Communities

• Fear and Confusion: Increased raids and enforcement actions have created fear in immigrant communities, making some people afraid to access services like schools or hospitals.
• Economic Impact: Reduced diversity and fewer skilled workers could hurt the U.S. economy in the long run.

Multiple Perspectives

Government View

Officials say these changes are needed to protect the country and make sure the immigration system is fair and secure. They argue that stricter rules will prevent fraud and keep out people who might be a threat.

Advocacy and Legal Groups

Immigration advocates and legal organizations warn that the new policies risk violating civil rights, separating families, and causing wrongful deportations. They also point out that the lack of transparency and regular review makes it hard for people to plan their lives.

Academic and Economic Experts

Experts in education and the economy worry that the new rules will make the United States 🇺🇸 less attractive to international students and skilled workers, which could hurt the country’s global standing and economic growth.

What’s Next? Legal and Political Developments

Several of the new executive orders, including those related to the Travel Ban and birthright citizenship, are facing legal challenges in federal courts. Some have already been temporarily blocked. Project 2025 proposes even more restrictions, but these would require Congress to act.

If current policies remain, we can expect:

• Continued focus on enforcement and expedited removal
• More restrictions on asylum and refugee admissions
• Ongoing legal battles over the new rules

Practical Guidance: What You Can Do

• Stay Informed: Check the latest updates on the USCIS website and the State Department’s visa information page.
• Use the Correct Forms: Always use the latest edition of any immigration form. Old versions may be rejected.
• Prepare Strong Documentation: Gather as much evidence as possible to support your application, especially for marriage-based green cards.
• Seek Legal Help: If you receive a Notice to Appear or face visa cancellation, contact a qualified immigration lawyer right away. The American Immigration Lawyers Association can help you find one.
• Be Careful Online: Remember that your social media presence can affect your visa application. Avoid posting anything that could be seen as hostile or unlawful.

Official Resources

• USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283
• USCIS Forms and Information: uscis.gov/forms
• State Department Visa Information: travel.state.gov
• American Immigration Lawyers Association Referral Service: ailalawyer.com

Conclusion

The United States 🇺🇸 has made sweeping changes to its visa and green card cancellation policies in 2025, affecting millions of people worldwide. The new Travel Ban, stricter green card revocation rules, tougher marriage-based green card procedures, and expanded student visa screening all reflect a shift toward tighter immigration controls. These changes bring more uncertainty and risk for applicants, families, students, and workers, and have sparked ongoing legal and political debates. As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying informed, using the correct forms, and seeking legal help are more important than ever for anyone affected by these new policies.

For the most up-to-date and official information on visa and green card procedures, visit the USCIS Forms page. This resource provides the latest forms, instructions, and guidance to help you navigate the current immigration landscape.

Learn Today

Travel Ban → A government order restricting entry of nationals from specified countries, affecting immigrant and nonimmigrant visas.
Green Card Revocation → The cancellation of lawful permanent resident status, now possible years after issuance for application issues.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency managing immigration and naturalization processes.
Form I-485 → Application to adjust status to permanent resident within the United States, used for marriage-based visas.
Social Media Screening → Review of visa applicants’ online presence to detect threats or illegal activity before visa approval.

This Article in a Nutshell

In 2025, the US implemented strict visa and green card cancellation rules, including a broad Travel Ban and new social media checks on student visas, creating uncertainty and challenges for millions worldwide seeking entry or residence.
— By VisaVerge.com