Increased Scrutiny Leads to Rise in Marriage-Based Green Card Denials: What You Need to Know
- Andrew Sones
- Apr 15
- 2 min read
DELRAY BEACH, FL – April 15, 2025 – The dream of obtaining a green card through marriage to a U.S. citizen is facing increased headwinds, with immigration law experts reporting a noticeable rise in application denials. The Law Office of Andrew R Sones, a leading immigration law firm based in Delray Beach, Florida, is closely monitoring this trend and urging individuals and families to seek experienced legal counsel to navigate the complexities of the process.
While marriage to a U.S. citizen has long been a pathway to lawful permanent residency, recent observations suggest a heightened level of scrutiny from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This increased scrutiny can lead to unexpected and devastating denials for couples who genuinely qualify.
"We've seen a concerning uptick in inquiries from individuals whose marriage-based green card applications have been denied," says Attorney Andrew Sones. "Often, these denials stem from minor errors in paperwork, insufficient documentation, or even perceived inconsistencies during interviews. It's crucial for applicants to understand the potential pitfalls and to prepare their case meticulously."
Several factors may be contributing to this trend, including:
Increased Focus on Fraud Detection: USCIS continues to prioritize the detection of fraudulent marriages intended to circumvent immigration laws. This can lead to more in-depth investigations and a lower tolerance for perceived discrepancies.
Stricter Interpretation of Regulations: Immigration policies and their interpretation can fluctuate. Applicants may be facing stricter enforcement of existing regulations.
Administrative Backlogs: While not directly causing denials, significant backlogs can lead to increased pressure on adjudicators, potentially resulting in quicker, less thorough reviews in some cases.
The consequences of a marriage-based green card denial can be significant, potentially leading to deportation proceedings and the separation of families.

The Law Office of Andrew R Sones: Your Partner in Navigating Marriage-Based Green Card Applications
Located in Delray Beach, Florida, the Law Office of Andrew R Sones provides comprehensive immigration law services to clients across the globe seeking to establish residency in the United States. As a licensed and experienced immigration attorney and member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Attorney Sones is dedicated to providing personalized and effective legal representation.
"Navigating the complexities of immigration law can be daunting, especially when dealing with the emotional weight of a marriage-based green card application," explains Sones. "Our team is committed to guiding our clients through every step of the process, from initial filing to the final interview."
The Law Office of Andrew R Sones assists clients with:
Meticulous preparation and filing of all necessary forms and supporting evidence.
Comprehensive interview preparation to ensure applicants are confident and well-prepared.
Representation during USCIS interviews.
Assistance with Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs).
Appeals of denied applications.
Don't Face a Green Card Denial Alone. Schedule a Free Consultation Today.
If you are considering applying for a marriage-based green card or have recently received a denial, it is essential to seek experienced legal counsel as soon as possible. The Law Office of Andrew R Sones offers free consultations to assess your case and discuss your options.
Contact Information:
Law Office of Andrew R Sones Delray Beach, Florida Phone & WhatsApp: +15616001166 Website: https://www.soneslaw.com/ About Us: https://www.soneslaw.com/about Contact Us: https://www.soneslaw.com/contact Schedule a Free Consultation: http://www.calendly.com/imm-law