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👨‍⚖️ What’s Happening with I-130 Family Petitions in 2025?

I-130
by Freepik

As an immigration attorney with years of experience representing families across the United States, I want to speak honestly and clearly about what we’re seeing in 2025 regarding I-130 family-based petitions.

Since the beginning of the new presidential administration, a concerning trend has intensified: family petitions are now being reviewed more strictly than in previous years. This is not an exaggeration. In the first six months, we’ve observed:

  • A sharp increase in Requests for Evidence (RFEs), some up to 30–40 pages long

  • Unannounced audits of married couples’ homes

  • Thorough investigations into the beneficiary’s immigration history

  • And unfortunately, detentions of beneficiaries with prior immigration violations

It’s clear that the current immigration policy is aimed at reducing family-based immigration, shifting resources toward employment-based visas and limiting what the administration refers to as “chain migration.”

⚖️ Who’s Being Most Affected?

While any case can face scrutiny, we’ve seen that the following types of petitions are being heavily impacted:

  • Petitions for spouses who entered without a visa

  • Petitions from parents to adult children

  • Beneficiaries with complex immigration backgrounds, such as DACA, previous deportations, or multiple entries without inspection

  • Stepparent petitions where there is limited evidence of a documented relationship

If you or a loved one falls into any of these categories, preparing your case strategically is more important than ever.

🛡️ How Can We Strengthen Your I-130 Petition in This Climate?

In my professional experience, these are the key pillars for building a strong family-based petition in 2025:

1. Submit clear, well-organized, and compelling evidence

USCIS is no longer satisfied with just a marriage certificate. Today, we must prove that your family relationship is genuine, ongoing, and substantial. This may include:

  • Family photographs taken over the years and in various contexts

  • Proof of joint residence: lease agreements, shared bank accounts, insurance, joint tax returns

  • Correspondence, travel records, testimonies from friends and family, even social media posts

2. Be prepared for an RFE or a more intensive interview

Many clients are receiving longer, more detailed interviews, where officers ask probing, sometimes unexpected, questions.In some cases, USCIS has even conducted unannounced home visits.

That’s why it’s essential to work with an attorney from the start who can help you prepare thoroughly for these scenarios.

3. Don’t take action without legal guidance

Submitting a poorly prepared petition—or one with errors or weak evidence—can lead to denial or even trigger removal proceedings.At De Maio Law, we examine every legal and immigration detail of your case to avoid these risks.

💬 Common Questions I Hear Every Week

Can my I-130 be denied just because of the beneficiary’s immigration history?

Not automatically. But if there’s a record of unlawful entry, prior deportation, or fraud, USCIS may deny the case or refer it to ICE. That’s why legal guidance is essential before submitting anything.

What should I do if I receive a lengthy RFE?

Don’t face it alone. At our firm, we thoroughly analyze each request and prepare a complete and accurate response with the right documentation—on time.

Should I be worried about an unexpected interview?

Don’t panic—but do prepare. Bring all relevant documents and, if possible, attend the interview with your attorney.

Can I send more evidence after submitting my case?

Yes. As long as your case is still under review, you can submit additional evidence or a written explanation. But always do so with legal advice to avoid mistakes.

Does this affect naturalization cases?

Not directly. But if you’ve submitted a fraudulent I-130 in the past, that issue can resurface during your naturalization process.

📎 What Can De Maio Law, PLLC Do for You?

As an immigration attorney, my mission is to protect your family and help you move toward legal residency with confidence. At our firm, we can:

  • Carefully evaluate your case before submission

  • Represent you during USCIS interviews or investigations

  • Strategically respond to RFEs

  • Defend your case if ICE initiates an investigation

  • Explore alternate options such as work permits, VAWA, U visas, or consular processing if your I-130 is at risk

🧭 Don’t Risk Your Future

A poorly prepared petition can cost you valuable time, money, and immigration opportunities. At De Maio Law, PLLC, we believe in keeping families together—and we fight for that every day.

We’re here to support you with strategy, empathy, and determination.

📞 Call us at: (786) 232-9120

💬 Message us on WhatsApp: (786) 232-9120

 
 
 

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