Get answers to the top 5 most-asked immigration questions on Reddit for the week of February 17, 2025:
This week, we’re tackling the following questions:
- I’m a DACA recipient with a pending green card application. My DACA status expires next year. Should I renew my DACA while I’m waiting for my green card approval?
- How might the Trump administration’s recent policy changes affect green card renewal processing times?
- What happens to my legal status if my green card expires?
- Do you have any insights on how the new Trump administration will affect pending N-400 applications?
- How might Trump’s policies affect foreign students’ enrollment in U.S. universities?
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Disclaimer: While Boundless is authorized to own and operate our law firm, this response is coming from our research team, not our attorneys. The information we provide on this page is not legal advice.
#1: I’m a DACA recipient with a pending green card application. My DACA status expires next year. Should I renew my DACA while I’m waiting for my green card approval?
Yes. It’s a good idea to maintain your DACA status while your green card application is pending. Renewing your DACA status provides you with continued protection in case your green card application is delayed or denied. USCIS recommends submitting DACA renewal requests 120 to 150 days (4 to 5 months) before the expiration date listed on the current Form I-797 DACA approval notice and Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
At the same time, it’s important to stay informed about any changes to DACA policy. The program has faced legal challenges in recent years, and its future remains uncertain. For the latest updates on DACA, you can explore our news hub here.
Here are some additional resources that may be helpful:
#2: How might the Trump administration’s recent policy changes affect green card renewal processing times?
Green card renewal timelines can vary due to factors like USCIS policy changes, resource allocation, and service center workloads. While it’s impossible to predict exactly how the new Trump administration might impact green card renewal processing times, during Trump’s first term, USCIS processing times increased significantly by 46% between FY 2014 and FY 2018, leading to a backlog of over 2.3 million cases by FY 2017. Based on this evidence, Trump’s recent executive orders, and his administration’s proposed policies, it’s possible that processing times could increase again.
The median processing time for Form I-90 (the form used to renew or replace a green card) is currently 0.8 months, the shortest it’s been in recent years. But timelines can vary depending on the case. You can check USCIS’s Case Processing Times tool for the latest timeline estimates for your renewal application.
#3: What happens to my legal status if my green card expires?
If you have a conditional green card, you cannot renew it. To retain your legal status, you must apply for Removal of Conditions to obtain a 10-year green card and become a lawful permanent resident (LPR).
If you’re already an LPR with a 10-year green card, having an expired green card alone doesn’t affect your status or the likelihood that your renewal application will be denied. An expired green card simply means you need a valid, up-to-date card to prove that you can legally live and work in the U.S. as well as re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad. Submitting a renewal application as soon as possible can help minimize potential issues.
Once Form I-90 is filed, you should receive a receipt notice that extends your green card validity by 36 months from the expiration date printed on your expired green card. When presented together, this notice along with the expired card serves as proof of residency during the renewal process.
Given recent reports of immigration raids, it’s a good idea for all immigrants to keep their immigration documents current and know their rights. As a reminder, LPRs who are 18 years or older are required by law to carry their green card with them at all times.
#4: Do you have any insights on how the new Trump administration will affect pending N-400 applications?
So far, we haven’t seen any official announcements from the Trump administration about policy changes affecting pending N-400 applications. However, changes in leadership can sometimes impact processing times and enforcement priorities. For example, in Trump’s first term, stricter vetting slowed naturalization, while the Biden administration focused on reducing backlogs and speeding up adjudications.
With Trump back in office, processing delays could increase again due to tighter vetting or changes in how USCIS allocates resources. In the meantime, you can monitor your case using the USCIS Case Status tool and check current processing times. You can also check out this article: How Long Does It Take to Get U.S. Citizenship After Applying?
If your N-400 has been pending longer than expected, consider submitting an inquiry with USCIS or reaching out to your local congressional representative for assistance.
#5: How might Trump’s policies affect foreign students’ enrollment in U.S. universities?
Trump’s first term saw an 11.4% drop in new F-1 enrollments (2016–2019), most likely due to restrictive policies like stricter visa rules, travel bans, and more stringent limits on Optional Practical Training (OPT). His administration also attempted to shorten the duration of status for F-1 visas and threatened to revoke visas for students whose programs moved online during the pandemic, creating widespread uncertainty in the international student community. Despite those hurdles, student visa approval rates remained largely stable on average.
A second Trump term could bring similar challenges, including:
- Shifts in visa processing and requirements. “Enhanced vetting” may lead to longer wait times and higher denial rates, especially for students from nations with high visa overstay rates or those labeled as “state sponsors of terrorism.”
- Restrictions on OPT and H-1B visas. New restrictions could reduce work opportunities for international graduates.
- Changes to duration of status. Instead of being admitted into the U.S. for the duration of their academic program, students could be issued fixed-term visas (e.g., two or four years). This may discourage some to enroll in longer programs or pursue additional degrees.
- Financial aid cuts. Funding for universities offering in-state tuition to undocumented students could be slashed, impacting federal aid for all students.
- Visa revocations for political protesters. Foreign students involved in pro-Palestinian political demonstrations may face deportation risks.
Even if not all policies take effect, uncertainty alone could push students toward countries with clearer residency pathways. However, universities and business leaders typically push back against policies that affect foreign student enrollment, recognizing international students’ significant economic and academic contributions.
Interestingly, Trump has suggested granting green cards to international graduates, though no formal policy exists yet.
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