Trump Administration Makes Green Card Application Change ‘Effective Immediately’

The Trump administration has recently enacted immediate changes to green card applications, a shift that could have significant implications for immigrants pursuing permanent residency in the United States. On Wednesday, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the new requirements, which focus on medical examination forms essential for green card applications. With an emphasis on public health, these changes underscore ongoing discussions surrounding immigration policies.

Historically, applicants for permanent residency were allowed to utilize a medical examination form, known as the I-693, indefinitely. However, the recent policy change stipulates that each new application must be accompanied by a renewed medical examination form, rendering previous forms invalid. This shift could particularly affect individuals currently in the process of adjusting their immigration status, creating challenges for many who were previously assured that their existing forms would suffice.

### Why This Change Matters

Immigrants seeking to adjust their status through Form I-485, the application for permanent residency, will be most directly impacted by this development. The change necessitates a fresh medical examination if applicants withdraw their applications or submit new forms, a requirement that was not present before. This sudden shift has raised concerns among immigration attorneys and advocates, who are worried about the potential for increased delays and financial burdens for applicants.

The medical exams required by the I-693 involve checks for various health conditions and vaccination records. The costs of these exams can fluctuate widely, ranging anywhere from $100 to $500. According to immigration attorney Matt Cameron, the new rules could effectively double costs for many immigrants who will now need to pay for additional medical evaluations.

### Key Details of the Policy Change

USCIS has clarified that the changes apply specifically to the medical exam form I-693, used by individuals applying for adjustment of status or permanent residency. Prior to this change, the agency had announced that any I-693 completed after November 1, 2023, could be used indefinitely—allowing some flexibility for applicants. Under the new directive, however, if an application is withdrawn, the associated I-693 becomes invalid, compelling applicants to undergo another examination in order to secure a new signed form.

This policy not only complicates the application process but also raises concerns about the administrative burden placed on both applicants and immigration attorneys, as they navigate the sudden changes. The USCIS typically allows some lead time for adaptations in application processes, making this abrupt change particularly unsettling.

### Broader Context of Immigration Scrutiny

The new requirement comes against a backdrop of increased scrutiny of immigrants as the Trump administration endeavors to tighten immigration law enforcement. The intensified regulations and guidelines may make the green card application process significantly more strenuous, with applicants facing barriers not previously encountered. In recent months, there have been multiple reports of green card holders facing deportation due to alleged violations of laws—further complicating the atmosphere surrounding permanent residency.

This tougher stance by the administration reflects a broader trend toward stricter immigration policies that demand applicants to meet ever-changing requirements under uncertain conditions. Such developments leave many concerned that the pathway to legal status is becoming increasingly fraught with obstacles.

### Responses from Immigration Experts

Reactions from legal professionals and immigration advocates reflect a mix of frustration and concern regarding the implications of these changes. Many attorneys have voiced that these regulations not only complicate the process but also contribute to a discouraging atmosphere for potential immigrants. As Matt Cameron pointed out, prior guidelines allowed room for adjustments, typically with more consideration given to applicants and attorneys preparing for changes.

Elissa Taub, another immigration attorney, expressed relief that the new policy appears to be a relatively narrow modification and emphasized the earlier challenges faced by applicants having to provide multiple medical examinations amidst significant backlogs within the immigration system.

### Moving Forward with the Changes

The new policy takes effect on June 11, 2025, along with a revised version of the medical examination form slated for release shortly thereafter on July 3, 2025. As immigrants and their advocates gear up for these changes, it will be crucial to stay informed of any further modifications or potential legal challenges that may arise in response to the new regulations.

Organizations focused on immigration rights are likely to spring into action, advocating for more transparent processes and reconsideration of these stringent measures. As we navigate this evolving landscape, it will be critical to monitor how these changes unfold and their real-world impacts on those seeking the American dream through green card applications.

In summary, the immediate changes to green card applications by the Trump administration not only complicate an already complex system but also reflect broader trends of tightening immigration policies. As individuals and families aspire to establish their lives in the U.S., the implications of these changes will likely resonate long after their formal enactment. All eyes will be on how these policies affect applicants and how advocacy groups respond in support of those seeking permanent residency.

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