U.S. Immigration Experience Changes for Spouses of Citizens

Why it matters locally: Changes in U.S. immigration processes for spouses of citizens could affect a significant number of Virginia residents, given the state's diverse population and the presence of many military families and federal employees who may have foreign-born spouses.

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BOSTON — Spouses of U.S. citizens have traditionally occupied a particular position within immigration law. This status has undergone changes, according to statements from both the administration and immigration lawyers. Individuals seeking U.S. citizenship through marriage now follow processes that the administration and immigration attorneys describe as differing from earlier procedures. The photo accompanying this report shows people waving U.S. flags after becoming citizens at a naturalization ceremony in Boston in January 2025.