-
Original Date Announced
October 17, 2025USCIS issued a policy alert (PA-2025-23) updating guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on qualifying spousal relationships for purposes of family-based immigrant visa petitions. It also provides guidance on certain marriages, including marriages involving minors, marriages that violate public policy, proxy marriages, and virtual marriages.
Among other changes, the language in the Policy Manual removes the content in AFM Chapter 21.3(K) regarding "transgender issues and marriage," which was last revised August 10, 2012, and provided guidance on USCIS's recognition of changes in gender status for the purpose of marriage recognition and set out applicants' burdens of proof. Changes are also made to guidance regarding determining the bona fides of a marriage, standards for virtual and prosy marriages, and more. Further discussion of changes can be found here and here.
Trump 2.0 [ID #2068]
2025.10.17 USCIS Policy Alert 2025-22 - Family-Based Immigration Spousal Petitions 2025.11.03 USCIS - Policy Manual Vol. 6 Pt. B Ch. 6 - SpousesEffective Date
October 17, 2025Current Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Change in PracticeSubject Matter: Immigrant Visas: Family-BasedAgencies Affected: USCISPre Trump-Era Policies
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
To provide information, corrections, or feedback, please email IPTP.feedback@gmail.com