Key Takeaways
• USCIS changes SMS number to 872-466 (USAIMM) effective July 1, 2025, replacing 468-311 (GOV-311).
• Marriage-based green card forms updated; only recent editions accepted after April-May 2025 to reduce fraud.
• SIJ deferred action ends June 6, 2025; no automatic work permits for those waiting visa availability.
U.S. Immigration Announces Major Changes: New USCIS SMS Number and Policy Updates Effective July 1, 2025
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a series of important changes that will affect immigrants, applicants, and their families starting July 1, 2025. The most immediate update is the introduction of a new official SMS (text message) number for USCIS communications. Alongside this, several policy changes will impact marriage-based green card applicants, Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) cases, refugees, asylum seekers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and Diversity Visa (DV) applicants. These changes reflect a broader shift in U.S. immigration policy under President Trump’s administration and have significant implications for people seeking to live, work, or reunite with family in the United States 🇺🇸.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of what’s changing, who is affected, and what steps you should take to stay informed and protected.
USCIS Introduces New SMS Number Effective July 1, 2025
Starting July 1, 2025, USCIS will stop using the old SMS number 468-311 (GOV-311) for sending official text messages. The new number will be 872-466 (USAIMM). This change is designed to improve security and help people recognize real USCIS messages, reducing the risk of scams.
Key Details:
– New USCIS SMS Number (from July 1, 2025): 872-466 (USAIMM)
– Old Number (to be discontinued): 468-311 (GOV-311)
What You Should Do:
– Save the new number (872-466) in your phone contacts right away.
– Be alert for texts from this number after July 1, 2025, so you don’t miss important updates about your immigration case.
– Ignore texts from the old number after this date, as they will no longer be from USCIS.
This update is especially important for anyone waiting for case updates, interview notices, or other time-sensitive information from USCIS. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, missing a USCIS message can lead to delays or even missed appointments, so updating your contact list is a simple but crucial step.
Why Is USCIS Making This Change?
USCIS is switching to a new SMS number to make its messages easier to identify and to protect people from fraud. Scammers often pretend to be government agencies, so using a unique, easy-to-remember number helps people know when a message is real. This move is part of a larger effort to modernize USCIS communications and keep applicants safe.
Marriage-Based Green Card Process: New Form Editions and Stricter Rules
USCIS has also updated the forms and rules for marriage-based green card applications. These changes affect U.S. citizens and permanent residents who want to sponsor a spouse or fiancé(e) for a green card.
Key Updates:
– Form I-485 (Adjustment of Status): Only the 01/20/25 edition is accepted since April 3, 2025. Find the latest Form I-485 here.
– Form I-129F (Fiancé Visa): Only the 01/20/25 edition is accepted since May 1, 2025. Access Form I-129F here.
– Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative): The 04/01/24 edition remains valid, but now includes clear warnings about marriage fraud. See Form I-130 here.
New Policy for Refugees and Asylees:
– As of June 2025, only marriages that are legally registered with a government in the country where the marriage took place are valid for immigration benefits.
– Religious or traditional marriages that are not officially registered will no longer be accepted.
– This rule applies to all cases pending or filed on or after March 3, 2025.
What Does This Mean for Couples?
– Check your forms: Make sure you are using the correct edition of each form. Using an outdated form can lead to rejection or delays.
– Register your marriage: If you are a refugee or asylee, your marriage must be officially registered with the government in the country where you got married. If you only have a religious or traditional marriage, you must get it registered before applying.
– Keep proof: Save all marriage certificates and official documents, as you may need to show them to USCIS.
These changes may prevent some spouses from joining their partners in the United States 🇺🇸 if they cannot provide proof of a legally recognized marriage. Couples should act quickly to make sure their paperwork is in order.
Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) Deferred Action Policy Change
USCIS has announced a major change for Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJ) applicants. SIJ status is for young people who have been abused, abandoned, or neglected and need protection in the United States 🇺🇸.
Effective June 6, 2025:
– USCIS will no longer grant deferred action or related work permits to SIJ applicants who cannot apply for a green card only because there are no visas available.
– This rule applies to all SIJs with an approved Form I-360, whether their approval came before, on, or after June 6, 2025. See Form I-360 here.
What Does This Mean for SIJ Youth?
– SIJ youth waiting for a visa will not automatically get protection from deportation or permission to work unless they qualify for another status.
– Lawyers and advocates working with SIJ clients need to find new ways to help these young people stay safe and supported.
This change could leave many vulnerable youth without legal protection or the ability to support themselves while waiting for a green card.
Refugee and Asylum Program Changes
The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) has faced several changes and interruptions in 2025.
Key Points:
– The program was suspended on January 27, 2025, but a federal judge has ordered it to restart. However, many cases are still on hold, and travel to the United States 🇺🇸 for refugees remains limited.
– Some refugees with approved travel before January 20, 2025, may now be allowed to travel due to a court order.
– “Follow-to-join” (I-730) cases for asylees are being processed, but beneficiaries must pay their own medical and travel costs.
– Afghan Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders can travel but must arrange and pay for their own travel.
– The Coordinator for Afghan Relocation Efforts (CARE) Office will close on July 1, 2025, which may slow down or complicate Afghan relocations.
What Does This Mean for Refugees and SIV Holders?
– Refugees and SIV holders face more costs and must handle travel arrangements themselves.
– The closure of the CARE Office may mean less help and longer wait times for Afghans trying to relocate.
– Private sponsorship for refugees is closed, and resettlement services are reduced.
People affected by these changes should plan ahead, save money for travel, and seek help from trusted organizations.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Under Review
President Trump’s administration is reviewing all current TPS designations. TPS is a program that lets people from certain countries stay and work in the United States 🇺🇸 if it is unsafe to return home.
Key Points:
– Protections may not be renewed when current status expires.
– If TPS is not renewed, people could lose their work permits and protection from deportation.
TPS holders should stay informed about their country’s status and be ready to act if their protection is ending.
Diversity Visa (DV) Program and Visa Bulletin Updates
The Diversity Visa (DV) program, also known as the green card lottery, has seen its annual limit reduced.
Key Points:
– For DV-2025, only about 52,000 visas will be given out.
– No single country can receive more than 7% of the available visas.
This means fewer people will be selected, and the competition will be tougher. Applicants should check the Visa Bulletin each month for updates on visa availability and priority dates.
Birthright Citizenship Executive Order
A new executive order, issued on January 20, 2025, restricts birthright citizenship for some children born in the United States 🇺🇸.
Key Points:
– The rule applies to children born after February 19, 2025.
– It affects children whose mothers are in the United States 🇺🇸 unlawfully or on temporary visas, if the father is not a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
– Legal challenges to this order are expected.
Families affected by this rule should seek legal advice to understand their rights and options.
Step-by-Step: What Should Immigrants and Applicants Do Now?
- Save the New USCIS SMS Number:
- Add 872-466 (USAIMM) to your contacts for official USCIS texts starting July 1, 2025.
- Check Form Editions:
- Make sure all immigration forms you submit are the latest required editions. Using the wrong form can delay or stop your application.
- Verify Marriage Documentation:
- If you are applying as a refugee or asylee, ensure your marriage is legally registered and you have official proof.
- Monitor TPS and Refugee Status:
- Stay updated on TPS renewals and refugee program news, especially if your status is ending soon.
- For SIJ Applicants:
- Understand that deferred action and work permits are no longer automatic if you are waiting for a visa.
- Afghan SIV Holders:
- Prepare for self-funded travel and expect possible delays after July 1, 2025, due to the CARE Office closure.
Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives
Immigration advocates are worried that these changes will make it harder for families to reunite, for SIJ youth to stay safe, and for refugees to find protection. Legal experts say that some of these new rules, especially the birthright citizenship order and TPS reviews, may face court challenges. Government officials argue that these changes are needed for security, to prevent fraud, and to modernize the system.
Background and Historical Context
President Trump’s second term has brought a wave of new immigration policies, many of which are stricter than before. These include executive orders on birthright citizenship, TPS, and humanitarian programs. Many of these changes are being challenged in court, which means the rules could change again in the future.
Future Outlook and Pending Developments
- Project 2025: Proposals include further cuts to legal immigration, ending some visa categories, and increasing enforcement.
- Court Decisions: Ongoing lawsuits may change how some of these new rules are applied.
- Visa Bulletin Updates: Applicants should check the Visa Bulletin every month for the latest information on visa availability.
Official Resources and Contact Information
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always use official government sources:
– USCIS Official Website
– Visa Bulletin
– USCIS Contact Center: 1-800-375-5283
Summary Table: Key Changes Effective July 2025
| Change/Policy | Effective Date | Details/Numbers | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| New USCIS SMS Number | July 1, 2025 | 872-466 (USAIMM) replaces 468-311 | Update contacts, avoid missing alerts |
| Marriage Green Card Form Editions | April/May 2025 | Only latest editions accepted | Use correct forms or risk rejection |
| Refugee/Asylee Marriage Documentation | March 3, 2025 | Must be legally registered | Unregistered marriages not accepted |
| SIJ Deferred Action | June 6, 2025 | No more automatic deferred action | No work authorization for SIJ waitlist |
| CARE Office Closure (Afghan SIV) | July 1, 2025 | Office closes, SIV processing continues | Less support, self-funded travel |
| DV-2025 Visa Cap | July 2025 Bulletin | 52,000 visas, 7% per country max | Fewer diversity visas available |
| Birthright Citizenship EO | Feb 19, 2025 | Restricts for certain noncitizen births | Legal challenges expected |
Takeaways and Next Steps
- Save the new USCIS SMS number (872-466) now to ensure you receive all official updates.
- Double-check all forms and documents before submitting any immigration application.
- Stay informed by checking the USCIS website and the Visa Bulletin regularly.
- Seek legal help if you are affected by the new marriage, SIJ, TPS, or birthright citizenship rules.
- Plan ahead for possible delays, extra costs, or changes in support services, especially if you are a refugee, asylee, or Afghan SIV holder.
By staying alert and prepared, immigrants and their families can better manage these changes and protect their opportunities in the United States 🇺🇸. For more detailed analysis and ongoing updates, VisaVerge.com reports that following official sources and consulting with trusted legal professionals is the best way to stay ahead in this changing immigration landscape.
Learn Today
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency handling immigration and naturalization processes.
SMS Number → A dedicated phone number used by USCIS to send official text message updates to applicants.
SIJ (Special Immigrant Juvenile) → Status for abused, abandoned, or neglected youth allowing protection and green card eligibility in the U.S.
TPS (Temporary Protected Status) → A program that temporarily protects eligible nationals from certain countries from deportation and grants work authorization.
Diversity Visa (DV) → A lottery-based immigrant visa program providing up to 52,000 visas annually with country limits.
This Article in a Nutshell
USCIS announces critical changes effective July 1, 2025, including a new SMS number, stricter marriage green card rules, and ending SIJ deferred action. These updates impact immigrants, refugees, and visa applicants, requiring vigilance to avoid delays and ensure legal protections are maintained amidst evolving immigration policies.
— By VisaVerge.com
