The Trump Administration has triggered a major shift in the U.S. immigration landscape, unveiling three sweeping policy changes that directly impact Green Card applicants, H-1B visa holders, work permit seekers, and aspiring U.S. citizens. From ending automatic work-permit extensions to tightening public-charge rules and overhauling interview procedures, the reforms signal a tougher federal stance set to affect Indian workers and families the most.
With nearly 4.8 million Indian Americans living in the U.S. as of 2022, these policy shifts carry serious employment, documentation and long-term residency implications.
Key Takeaways on Trump Administration’s New Green Card & Immigration Overhaul
- The administration has ended automatic EAD extensions, increasing uncertainty for non-immigrant workers and H-4 dependents.
- The H-1B visa fee has been increased to USD 100,000, impacting thousands of Indian tech professionals.
- A new regulatory package seeks stricter public-charge scrutiny for Green Card applicants, revisiting Trump-era provisions.
- Beginning October 20, 2025, a more complex civics test will be required for citizenship applicants.
- Interview procedures for Green Card, visa and naturalisation applicants will now be tougher, with deeper background checks and potential “neighborhood investigations.”
End of Automatic Work-Permit Extensions Raises Fears Among Indian Families
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently ended the Biden-era provision that allowed certain foreign workers automatic extensions of Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs). Previously, applicants received a 540-day automatic extension once they filed for renewal.
Now, every renewal requires complete re-vetting — a move immigration experts warn may put thousands of jobs at risk. Processing times for EAD renewals often stretch between 7 to 10 months, creating a real possibility of employment gaps.
This decision has particularly alarmed the Indian community, as many H-1B visa holders’ spouses (on H-4 visas) rely on EADs for lawful employment.
H-1B Visa Fee Soars to USD 100,000: A Shockwave for Skilled Workers
In another dramatic shift, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation increasing the annual H-1B visa fee to USD 100,000. These visas allow U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign professionals, especially in technology and research roles.
The United States allocates 85,000 H-1B visas each year through a lottery, with nearly 75% going to Indians. While the fee hike does not apply to candidates seeking a change of status or extension of stay, it significantly affects new applicants and employers.
This unprecedented increase is expected to reshape skilled immigration flows and influence hiring patterns across the tech industry.
New Green Card Scrutiny: Trump Administration Reopens Public-Charge Restrictions
USCIS has submitted a fresh regulatory package seeking to tighten the public-charge ground of inadmissibility, potentially increasing scrutiny for Green Card applicants.
Although the exact details are yet to be published, this move signals a return to broader Trump-era interpretations. In 2019, the administration had expanded “public charge” to include many non-cash benefits such as SNAP, most Medicaid, and public housing assistance. The rule also introduced a multi-factor system evaluating age, health, education, income, and English proficiency.
Also Read: What is H-1B Visa and Why is the H1-B Visa Important for Indians?: All need to know
The Biden administration reversed these provisions in 2022, limiting the assessment to cash assistance for income maintenance and long-term institutional care. The new proposal appears to revisit tougher standards, raising concerns among lawful permanent residents and applicants.
Major Overhaul to Green Card and Visa Interviews Starts October 20
The White House has confirmed sweeping changes to the interview process for Green Card holders, visa applicants, and naturalisation candidates.
Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, stated that USCIS is now hiring “homeland defenders” — immigration officers tasked with conducting more rigorous interviews. DHS echoed the sentiment, stressing the need to protect the immigration system from misuse.
Beginning October 20, several new measures will take effect:
1. Expanded Civics Test
Citizenship candidates filing Form N-400 on or after October 20, 2025, will face a more challenging test emphasizing U.S. history, governance, and politics.
2. Broader Background Checks
According to USAJobs listings, USCIS will deepen background reviews to ensure applicants meet all eligibility standards.
3. Assessment of “Good Moral Character”
Officers may look for positive community or workplace contributions, not just the absence of criminal records.
4. Possible Return of Neighborhood Investigations
Officials have left open the option for neighborhood inquiries — a practice widely used in the 1990s — which could include interviewing neighbors, collecting letters, or verifying statements through community checks.
However, critics argue the new language paints immigrants as potential threats rather than future citizens. Former Immigration Service head Doris Meissner highlighted that the administration’s tone “casts doubt on people’s eligibility,” raising concerns about fairness and transparency.
The Divine, Evidence-Based Knowledge Shared by Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj Ji
In a world where policies, rules and personal circumstances change constantly, Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj explains that true peace and security come only from connecting with the Supreme God through scripture-based devotion. According to Him, human life becomes stable and meaningful when a person understands the real identity of the Supreme Creator and follows the correct method of worship mentioned in all holy scriptures.
Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj teaches that Sat-Bhakti, performed according to the true spiritual method, frees a devotee from fear, confusion and worldly instability. His guidance has helped countless people experience inner strength, clarity and a deeper purpose beyond temporary challenges like jobs, immigration, or changing laws.
What This Wave of Changes Means for Immigrants and Green Card Seekers
These three sweeping reforms mark one of the most significant shifts in U.S. immigration policy in recent years. For Green Card seekers, the revival of stricter public-charge rules and tougher interviews adds layers of scrutiny. For skilled workers, the combination of unprecedented H-1B fee hikes and the end of automatic EAD extensions poses fresh challenges for job security and career mobility. As the regulatory landscape evolves, millions of applicants — particularly Indian workers and families — will need to navigate a far more demanding path toward long-term residency and citizenship.
FAQs on Green Card Immigration Reforms
1. What major Green Card changes has the Trump Administration announced?
The administration tightened public-charge scrutiny, expanded interview checks, and reopened tougher evaluation rules while increasing vetting for citizenship applicants.
2. When will the new Green Card and citizenship interview rules start?
The tougher interview procedures, expanded background checks, and stricter civics test begin on October 20 for eligible applicants.
3. How do the new rules affect Green Card applicants’ public-charge evaluation?
USCIS is considering revising the public-charge rule, potentially reintroducing Trump-era scrutiny involving non-cash benefits and multi-factor assessments.
4. Will Green Card applicants face neighborhood investigations again?
Yes, officials have kept open the option for neighborhood investigations, similar to the 1990s process used for immigration verification.
5. How will Indian immigrants be affected by the new reforms?
Indians may face tougher Green Card scrutiny, stricter interviews, loss of automatic EAD extensions, and higher H-1B costs impacting long-term residency plans.
