Basically, the Immigration service is ignoring a law passed by Congress.

 

Green Card Interviews End in Handcuffs for Spouses of U.S. Citizens

Green-card applicants’ temporary visas often lapse while their “adjustment-of-status” proceeds over several months or longer.

An immigration statute passed by Congress in 1986 allows a spouse who entered the country lawfully to be eligible for a green card through marriage even if the person’s visa has expired.

“Congress was unambiguous — these people are eligible for green cards,” said Doug Rand, who was a senior official at Citizenship and Immigration Services during the Biden administration.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/us/trump-green-card-interview-arrests.html

More ironic part of this is that mother of White House press secretary's nephew just got arrested by ICE...

 

 

Looking forward to see how this tests her loyalty to her boss.

Just now, tomazbodner said:

More ironic part of this is that mother of White House press secretary's nephew just got arrested by ICE...

 

 

Looking forward to see how this tests her loyalty to her boss.

The mother has had no involvement at all with raising the child. She has been entirely absent from her nephew's life. He was raised by Leavitt's brother. So I don't think it will be much of a test. 

3 hours ago, Alan Zweibel said:

Basically, the Immigration service is ignoring a law passed by Congress.

 

Green Card Interviews End in Handcuffs for Spouses of U.S. Citizens

Green-card applicants’ temporary visas often lapse while their “adjustment-of-status” proceeds over several months or longer.

An immigration statute passed by Congress in 1986 allows a spouse who entered the country lawfully to be eligible for a green card through marriage even if the person’s visa has expired.

“Congress was unambiguous — these people are eligible for green cards,” said Doug Rand, who was a senior official at Citizenship and Immigration Services during the Biden administration.

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/26/us/trump-green-card-interview-arrests.html

YOu missed this part from the article;

 

While federal law does not prohibit spouses with expired visas from being detained and placed in deportation proceedings, in the past they have rarely been detained while applying for green cards.

 

This is a legal procedure. It is a very old rule that has no place in today's immigration environment.  If you want a green card, get legal first. Do not overstay or lie about your status.  It is pretty simple. 

1 hour ago, Hanaguma said:

YOu missed this part from the article;

 

While federal law does not prohibit spouses with expired visas from being detained and placed in deportation proceedings, in the past they have rarely been detained while applying for green cards.

 

This is a legal procedure. It is a very old rule that has no place in today's immigration environment.  If you want a green card, get legal first. Do not overstay or lie about your status.  It is pretty simple. 

Did you read the excerpt I quoted:

"An immigration statute passed by Congress in 1986 allows a spouse who entered the country lawfully to be eligible for a green card through marriage even if the person’s visa has expired."

 

12 minutes ago, Alan Zweibel said:

Did you read the excerpt I quoted:

"An immigration statute passed by Congress in 1986 allows a spouse who entered the country lawfully to be eligible for a green card through marriage even if the person’s visa has expired."

 

Yes. "Eligible". Does not mean guaranteed. 

1 minute ago, Hanaguma said:

Yes. "Eligible". Does not mean guaranteed. 

I got news for you. Nothing is guaranteed when it comes to immigration. But abruptly changing past practice without notification stinks.

And compassion? Only applies to white South Africans. People of colour get the (jack)boot. Keeping families together, parents with their children. Why? Deport Elon for lying first. Peter Thiel, too.

4 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

And compassion? Only applies to white South Africans. People of colour get the (jack)boot. Keeping families together, parents with their children. Why? Deport Elon for lying first. Peter Thiel, too.

As on perceptive political observer noted: "The cruelty isn't besides the point. It is the point."

3 hours ago, Alan Zweibel said:

As on perceptive political observer noted: "The cruelty isn't besides the point. It is the point."

Life not fair.

24 minutes ago, TDCNINJA said:

How do you pay taxes without a SSN?

Many illegals use fake social security cards or fake Social Security numbers and a significant amount of their earnings are deducted from their salaries, and paid directly into government coffers, and they get nothing in return, very few benefits. Multiple studies have shown that illegal immigrants are net benefit to the US Financial system. 

1 hour ago, EVENKEEL said:

Life not fair.

But government should be.

8 hours ago, Hanaguma said:

Yes. "Eligible". Does not mean guaranteed. 

Try harder

13 hours ago, Alan Zweibel said:

An immigration statute passed by Congress in 1986 allows a spouse who entered the country lawfully to be eligible for a green card through marriage even if the person’s visa has expired.

Hell - the US hands immigration goodies out like candy.  A male spouse who entered Thailand lawfully spends the rest of his day proving to Thai Immigration that he is still legally marriaged and not trying to game the system after 20 years of marriage.

👮‍♀️ "You sure you married still.  We think you lie.  Farang always lie."

In the meanwhile even with ICE ICE Baby in the US, its still a piece of cake to stay in the US if you're married to a US citizens.  Even your brother.  Just as a Somali Congresswomen.  Easy peasy. 

Really - I could care less who they deport in the US.  

6 minutes ago, Base32 said:

Hell - the US hands immigration goodies out like candy.  A male spouse who entered Thailand lawfully spends the rest of his day proving to Thai Immigration that he is still legally marriaged and not trying to game the system after 20 years of marriage.

👮‍♀️ "You sure you married still.  We think you lie.  Farang always lie."

In the meanwhile even with ICE ICE Baby in the US, its still a piece of cake to stay in the US if you're married to a US citizens.  Even your brother.  Just as a Somali Congresswomen.  Easy peasy. 

Really - I could care less who they deport in the US.  

I could care less about the immigration situation in Thailand vis a vis America. I haven't a clue why you think it's relevant.

And I don't know where you get your information from but I got news for you: about 10 months ago the immigration situation in America changed significantly. And citing an immigration episode from years ago does nothing to bolster your case.

The one thing I did find impressive about your post is your callousness.

Posts with derogatory nicknames, intentional misspellings, or personal remarks will be removed. Spell names correctly for all sides of the debate.