Green Card rule update has brought a wave of significant changes to U.S. immigration policy. As of December 2025, key adjustments include a freeze on many immigration applications from certain countries, sharper vetting procedures, shorter work-permit durations, and a renewed push for a stricter public-charge standard. These developments are reshaping how green card and related applications proceed across the country.
What’s new: Major changes at a glance
Pause on applications for nationals of 19 “high-risk” countries
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), under the directive of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has suspended adjudication of nearly all immigration benefit applications filed by nationals from 19 countries deemed high-risk. This includes green card applications, naturalization, asylum, travel permits, replacements, and other residency-related benefits.
Applicants from those countries now face indefinite delays or comprehensive re-reviews. Interviews that might previously have been waived are now mandatory. Many approved cases are being re-examined, too, if the beneficiary entered the U.S. on or after January 20, 2021.
The 19 countries currently affected include Afghanistan, Myanmar (Burma), Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.
Expanded vetting and security screening across more applications
Beyond the freeze, USCIS has significantly increased background and security checks for many immigrants, regardless of country of origin. The updated procedures aim to enhance scrutiny over work history, travel, identity, and other risk factors before granting any immigration benefit.
This means more requests for additional documentation, deeper review of employment or residency history, and possibly more frequent in-person interviews or biometric checks.
Shorter validity for work permits (EADs)
One of the most tangible impacts affects those waiting on green cards but relying on work authorization. As of December 5, 2025, the maximum validity period for certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) has been reduced from up to five years down to just 18 months. That includes both initial and renewal EADs granted to adjustment-of-status applicants and other eligible categories.
Employers and applicants will both feel this—work permits must now be renewed much more often. Those relying on EADs should track timelines carefully to avoid employment gaps.
Additionally, the practice of automatically extending work permits during renewal processing has ended. Since October 30, 2025, many individuals must wait for full approval before resuming or continuing employment.
Proposed reinstatement of a stricter public-charge standard
The DHS recently proposed a revised version of the public-charge rule. If finalized, the new regulation would broaden how the government determines whether an applicant is likely to become a “public charge” — that is, dependent on public assistance.
Under the proposed rule, using means-tested public benefits (like Medicaid, food or housing assistance, or other support programs) could heavily count against applicants seeking permanent residency. Immigration officers would gain greater discretion to deny green cards based on income, benefit usage, health history, or even family background. The now-rescinded 2022 standard may be replaced entirely.
Impacted applicants — especially low-income individuals or families — may need to provide comprehensive financial records and possibly reconsider reliance on public benefits while applying.
Financial and administrative changes: fees, parole, and renewals
Alongside these major changes, USCIS and DHS have adjusted fee schedules, parole processing rules, and related procedural norms. Some filings now cost more, and there is heightened scrutiny over parole or temporary admission requests linked to immigration applications. As a result, applicants should expect rising costs and more administrative burdens in the coming months.
Who is affected — and how
Nationals of affected countries
If you were born in one of the 19 countries on the freeze list, anticipate serious delays or re-evaluations of your pending applications. Benefit processing — including green cards, renewals, naturalization, asylum, travel documents — may be paused. Interviews and vetting could be re-scheduled, even for applications previously approved.
Applicants from other countries
Even if you are not from an affected country, you are not necessarily exempt from the ripple effects. Longer processing times, more requests for evidence, extended background checks, frequent renewals, and increasing costs may apply across the board.
Delays and work-authorization gaps are possible, especially for those relying on EADs to maintain employment while waiting for permanent residency.
Workers on EADs or employers of EAD holders
The shift to 18-month EADs and the end of automatic renewals introduces uncertainty. Workers should monitor expiration dates closely and file renewals as early as possible. Employers must prepare for potential employment disruptions.
Families and sponsors
Those sponsoring family members for residency may face more documentation requirements. Financial sponsor obligations and evidence of income or savings could become more stringent.
Immigration beneficiaries who previously used public benefits may need to reconsider, depending on how the public-charge rule evolves.
Recommended actions today for applicants and sponsors
- Monitor all USCIS correspondence carefully. Keep email and physical mail under close watch for notices, rescheduling, or requests for additional documents. Missing one letter could mean big delays.
- Document everything early. Gather financial records, employment history, tax returns, proof of assets, identity documentation, medical history, and benefit usage — anything relevant to admissibility or financial stability.
- Consult immigration counsel. Legal guidance may help address complexity, especially for applicants tied to the “high-risk” country list, EAD renewals, or public-charge concerns.
- Track work-permit expiration proactively. Submit your EAD renewal request as soon as possible. Avoid gaps. Decide whether to continue working if processing is delayed.
- If sponsoring someone, prepare financial and support evidence now. Be ready to show stable income, savings, or assets — and possibly avoid relying on public benefits during processing.
Current status and likely near-term changes
- The freeze on immigration benefits for nationals of the 19 designated countries is active and remains in effect. Many past approvals are under re-review.
- The new EAD validity limit (18 months), and end of automatic renewals came into effect on December 5, 2025. Anyone receiving or renewing an EAD now faces much shorter validity.
- The revised public-charge rule has been proposed. It is not yet final. Until then, existing standards remain legally binding. But the proposal signals the government’s clear intent to expand discretion and tighten financial admissibility.
- Fee, parole, and administrative-policy updates already published are taking effect—even as further rules and regulations evolve. Staff at USCIS and DHS have been instructed to carry out stricter vetting and enforcement.
Given how quickly things are changing, expect more updates early in 2026 — especially if the public-charge proposal is finalized or if the freeze list expands.
What this means for U.S. employers, families, and communities
Employers: You may face unexpected disruptions. Employees who rely on EADs might need to pause work if renewals are delayed. HR departments should build buffer plans — temporary replacements, staggered onboarding, or alternative staffing — to maintain business continuity.
Families and sponsors: Purchasing power, finances, and family planning may be affected. You might need to demonstrate stronger financial stability than in earlier years. For sponsors, reliable income and savings documentation can be critical.
Immigrant communities: These changes may cause anxiety and uncertainty across many households. Frequent renewals, stricter financial screening, and extended waiting times may deter some from applying for permanent residency — or from using public programs they need.
Key takeaways
The current Green Card rule update marks one of the most significant policy shifts in recent U.S. immigration history. Between application freezes, increased vetting, shorter work permits, and a potential reinstatement of a stricter public-charge standard, the system has grown more complex and less predictable.
Green card applicants — and those working on EADs — face more frequent renewals, more documentation, potential delays, and overall tighter scrutiny. Families sponsoring loved ones must be ready with robust financial proof, and employers will need to adapt staffing plans accordingly.
This is a new era of immigration policy in the United States. Many familiar procedures and timelines have changed.
Have thoughts, experiences, or questions about this Green Card rule update? Share them below — we’d love to hear from you.