In a significant policy shift, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced the removal of the COVID-19 vaccination requirement for individuals applying for adjustment of status to become lawful permanent residents. This change marks a departure from the mandate introduced in October 2021 under President Joe Biden’s administration, which required applicants to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as part of the Form I-693, Report of Immigration Medical Examination and Vaccination Record.
Effective immediately, applicants for adjustment of status will no longer be required to submit COVID-19 vaccination documentation, and USCIS has confirmed that it will not issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs) based on missing vaccination records. Applications will not be denied solely for a lack of COVID-19 vaccination proof.
While the COVID-19 vaccination requirement has been lifted, the new policy reaffirms the necessity of providing documentation for other essential vaccinations, such as polio, measles, hepatitis B, and tetanus, which remain mandatory for green card applicants. This change is part of a broader recalibration of U.S. immigration policies that prioritize health safeguards while removing pandemic-era mandates.
The decision comes as part of a larger shift in U.S. immigration policies under President Donald Trump, whose recent remarks highlighted his opposition to vaccine mandates and emphasized the importance of restoring military integrity by reinstating soldiers dismissed for refusing COVID-19 vaccinations. Trump’s administration has also indicated that it will focus on eliminating political influence within military operations, reaffirming the military’s central role in national defense.
Impact on International Students and F-1 Visa Holders
Trump’s return to the White House raises concerns for international students, particularly those holding F-1 visas. A significant number of Indian students in the U.S. have expressed anxiety about potential changes to immigration enforcement under the new administration. Many F-1 visa holders have resorted to quitting part-time or undocumented off-campus jobs to avoid risks of deportation, as stricter immigration policies are anticipated.
While F-1 visa holders are legally permitted to work up to 20 hours a week on campus, a number of international students supplement their incomes through off-campus employment at restaurants, gas stations, and retail stores. The fear of increased scrutiny and tighter regulations has led some to reconsider their financial decisions, according to reports from The Times of India.
This evolving policy landscape underscores the uncertainty faced by international students in the U.S., with a potential tightening of immigration regulations expected in the coming months.
Looking Ahead: Potential Changes to Immigration Policy
The removal of the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for green card applicants is just one aspect of a larger shift in U.S. immigration policies under President Trump. As his administration continues to reshape policies on immigration, foreign workers, and international students, further changes are expected. Immigrants and foreign nationals residing in the U.S. should stay informed of these developments to better navigate the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration regulations.
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