Marrying a U.S. citizen has never automatically triggered a green card, but in 2025, the U.S. government has taken unprecedented steps to make the marriage-based residency process much stricter. If you’re considering this path, it’s critical to understand the significant changes and heightened scrutiny now shaping the journey from “I do” to permanent residency.

Increased Scrutiny on Marriage Fraud

The core reason for these changes is the government’s ongoing battle against immigration fraud. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), fake marriages remain one of the most common — and most aggressively prosecuted — forms of immigration fraud. This year, agencies have made clear that only genuine, legally recognized marriages will clear the hurdles for lawful permanent resident (green card) status. Sham marriages, or those arranged for immigration benefits rather than a bona fide relationship, are targeted for detailed investigation and potential deportation.

Step-by-Step: The Marriage-Based Green Card Process in 2025

1. No More “Automatic” Green Cards
   • Marrying a U.S. citizen is only the first step. You must apply for a green card through a legal process that now requires extensive evidence your relationship is real and ongoing.
2. Form and Filing Changes
   • In 2025, USCIS strictly enforces new editions of application forms — for adjustment of status (Form I-485), fiancé visas (Form I-129F), and petitions for relatives (Form I-130). Submitting even a single outdated page can trigger outright rejection, costing precious time and money.
3. Evidence Requirements Have Tightened
   • Officials now demand clear, comprehensive proof of a genuine marital relationship. Examples include:
     • Joint bank accounts and tax returns
     • Shared leases, mortgages, or utility bills
     • Records of travel together
     • Messages, photos, and affidavits from friends/family
   • Simple wedding photos are no longer enough; fraud detection officers receive specialized training to spot faked documents and inconsistencies.

1. Conditional Green Card—Not Permanent Right Away
   • If your marriage is less than 2 years old at the time of approval, you’ll be issued a conditional green card(“CR1”).
   • This allows you to live and work in the U.S. for 2 years, but it is a probationary period. Within the 90 days before the card expires, you and your spouse must jointly petition (Form I-751) to remove the conditions and receive a full, 10-year green card.
   • During this step, you must prove once again that the marriage remains genuine and was not entered into solely for immigration benefits. Failing to file, provide sufficient evidence, missing deadlines, or getting divorced before the end of this period can result in denial, deportation, or a permanent ban on reapplying.
2. More Enforcement, More Risk
   • Immigration officers have increased discretion to deny applications without warning, especially if they detect any red flags: previous suspicious filings, glaring age/cultural differences without supporting evidence, financial inconsistencies, or inconsistent answers during interviews.
   • If your case is flagged as potentially fraudulent, you could be placed in removal proceedings before an immigration judge.

What Happens if the Marriage Ends?

• Waivers are available if the marriage ends due to divorce or abuse, but the applicant must convincingly prove the marriage began in good faith, not to circumvent immigration laws.
• If USCIS determines the relationship was fake or evidence is lacking, the applicant could face deportation and a lifetime ban from reapplying.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

U.S. authorities say these reforms are a response to a real increase in attempted marriage fraud and the proliferation of “sham marriage” schemes. Recent years have seen several high-profile criminal cases and coordinated investigations. Protecting the legitimacy and security of the green card system has become a key national priority.

Key Takeaways for 2025 Applicants

• Double-check all form editions and instructions before filing applications — even minor paperwork errors can now cost you your chance.
• Prepare extensive evidence of a real, ongoing relationship. Start gathering financial records, joint leases, messages, travel documents, and third-party affidavits early.
• Take conditional status seriously. Mark your calendar—with the stricter environment, missing even a procedural step could be disastrous.
• Seek legal guidance if your circumstances are complex or you’ve faced any prior visa or immigration denials.

In short: Marrying a U.S. citizen in 2025 does not guarantee a green card. The process involves a two-year conditional period, multiple rounds of documentation, and close scrutiny to combat fraud. Real relationships, thorough preparation, and meticulous paperwork are essential to success in the new system.

Background

French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, have filed a defamation lawsuit in the United States against conservative commentator Candace Owens, following Owens’ repeated allegations that the First Lady is a man. The suit marks a notable escalation in a long-running campaign of harassment and conspiracy theories targeting Madame Macron, with the French couple now seeking legal redress beyond their home country.

Details of the Lawsuit

• Filed In: Delaware Superior Court, United States
• Plaintiffs: Emmanuel and Brigitte Macron
• Defendant: Candace Owens and her business entities
• Counts: 22 counts, including defamation and “false light”

The suit describes Owens’ claims as “outrageous, libelous, and implausible fabrications,” asserting that they have subjected the Macrons to “relentless bullying” and a “campaign of global humiliation.” The Macrons allege that Owens has repeatedly ignored credible evidence, favoring sensationalism and conspiracy to profit from their personal lives.

Owens’ Statements and Actions

According to the legal filings:

• Owens published a podcast series called Becoming Brigitte, and created social media content with her 4.5 million YouTube subscribers, asserting that Brigitte Macron is actually a man named Jean-Michel Trogneux (the name of Brigitte’s brother).
• Owens also marketed merchandise and monetized content centered around these false claims.
• She publicly declared that she would “stake [her] entire professional reputation” on these allegations, despite being repeatedly confronted with contrary evidence and direct denials from the Macrons.

The Macrons’ Response

The Macrons argue that:

• The conspiracy theories have caused “significant economic harm,” including the loss of business opportunities.
• The campaign has turned their personal lives into fodder for profit-driven lies, causing “global humiliation and relentless bullying”.
• Owens continued her efforts despite knowing the claims were false, choosing to double down rather than retract her statements.

Context and Precedents

This lawsuit is unusual in that a sitting world leader is personally suing a foreign media personality in another country’s courts. Notably:

• Brigitte Macron previously won a defamation case in France against individuals who spread similar rumors, although the verdict was overturned by an appeals court on “good faith” grounds; that matter is still under review in France’s highest court.
• Legal experts highlight that American libel law sets a high bar for public figures like the Macrons, requiring proof that Owens acted with “actual malice”—knowing falsity or reckless disregard for the truth.

What’s Next

The Macrons are seeking both compensatory and punitive damages, as well as a public correction of the record. Owens has stated she will address the lawsuit on her own podcast, but had not commented further as of the time of filing.

This high-profile case spotlights the difficulties public figures face in combating viral misinformation, while also raising questions about the limits of free speech, defamation laws, and international jurisdiction in the social media age.

Unprecedented Change on the Horizon

America’s financial system is experiencing sweeping transformation. A remarkable series of events—including landmark crypto legislation, China’s major reduction in U.S. Treasury holdings, and escalating friction between President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell—signals a pivotal shift for the U.S. dollar and the future of global finance.

Congress Passes Groundbreaking Crypto Legislation

The GENIUS Act and More

• Congress passed the GENIUS Act, the first U.S. federal framework for regulating dollar-backed stablecoins. President Trump signed the bill into law, calling it a “historic” piece of legislation that ushers digital currency into a new era.
• The act sets strict requirements: stablecoin issuers must be 100% backed by liquid U.S. dollar assets or short-term Treasuries, with mandatory monthly public disclosures and robust consumer protections.
• The GENIUS Act is joined by two companion bills:
  • The CLARITY Act, which transfers jurisdiction for digital asset regulation and clarifies agency authority over crypto exchanges and brokers.

• The CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act, which prohibits the Federal Reserve from issuing a retail central bank digital currency without congressional approval, effectively banning a U.S. government “digital dollar” CBDC.

Why it matters:
Advocates say these changes bring regulatory clarity, encourage the U.S. to maintain leadership in fintech, and respond to global competition, especially from China’s digital yuan and other BRICS initiatives.

China Dumps U.S. Treasuries to 16-Year Low

• China, America’s largest foreign creditor for many years, reduced its holdings of U.S. Treasuries to $757 billion in April 2025, the lowest since March 2009 and now ranks behind Japan and the UK.
• This sale is part of a long-term strategy: diversifying foreign reserves beyond the dollar, bolstering gold holdings, increasing use of the yuan in global trade (including via Belt and Road), and insulating China from U.S. economic sanctions.

• The reduction aligns with Beijing’s push for broader economic independence and efforts to promote the yuan internationally, supporting both its currency and its foreign policy objectives.

Implications:
While China remains a major holder, its steady sales draw global attention to the sustainability of U.S. debt financing and the dollar’s status as the world’s reserve currency.

Trump vs. the Fed: The Power Struggle Intensifies

• President Trump has escalated public criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, calling him “stupid” and blaming him for weakening the U.S. economy through high interest rates.
• Trump has repeatedly suggested Powell should resign and has expressed interest in appointing someone more aligned with his push for aggressive rate cuts, especially if re-elected. Despite speculation about Powell’s job security, legal hurdles make a sudden firing unlikely before his term ends in May 2026.
• Trump’s criticisms underscore longstanding tensions between the executive branch and the traditionally independent central bank, particularly over the direction of interest rates.

The Digital Dollar Goes On-Chain

• The GENIUS Act clears the way for regulated, dollar-backed stablecoins, enabling a digital form of the U.S. dollar that is fully backed by actual dollars or Treasuries.
• This approach is presented as a distinct alternative to central bank digital currencies: designed for transparency, consumer protection, and market-driven innovation, not for increased government surveillance.
• Stablecoins issued under this law are expected to make the U.S. dollar more adaptable and useful in global digital markets, supporting dollar dominance in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Market Impact: Crypto Leaders, Gold, and DeFi Technologies Rally

• The runup to and passage of these crypto laws have coincided with significant moves in financial markets:
  • Gold prices neared all-time highs and other safe-haven assets like silver remained elevated.
  • Major cryptocurrencies surged on optimism about U.S. regulatory clarity and the dollar’s official move into digital form.
  • DeFi Technologies (DEFT), a significant player in digital asset investment and management, reported Q1 2025 revenues of C$62.7 million (US$43.1 million) and a dramatic increase in net income. Analysts project continued growth, and the stock has delivered strong annual returns—outpacing many major assets.

The Big Picture

• These unprecedented developments represent the most significant change to the dollar system since the U.S. left the gold standard or the Federal Reserve was established.
• America’s response to global monetary competition is now being shaped by a digital dollar, regulatory innovation, and shifting international alliances.
• The next 60 days are primed for continued disruption, with the financial world watching closely for the long-term effects on the U.S. dollar’s dominance and the broader global order.