New Rules Every U.S. Green Card Holder Must Know in 2025, Updated Guidelines, Remittance Tax & Risks to Citizenship

Green card holders — also known as lawful permanent residents (LPRs) — are facing a rapidly evolving regulatory environment in the United States. From stricter documentation procedures and medical exam policies to the introduction of a new remittance tax and citizenship revocation efforts, 2025 has brought crucial changes every immigrant must understand. 

If you’re an LPR in the U.S., missing out on these updates could lead to serious consequences — including fines, application denials, or even the loss of your green card or naturalized citizenship. 

Here’s everything you need to know. 

Tighter Scrutiny on Naturalized Citizens: DOJ to Revoke Fraudulent Citizenship 

The U.S. Department of Justice has ramped up investigations into cases of fraudulent naturalization — where individuals allegedly misrepresented facts or failed to disclose critical information in their green card or citizenship process. 

This effort, intensified under policies dating back to the Trump administration, continues in 2025 with enhanced case tracking and more aggressive prosecution. If any deception is discovered — even decades later — it may result in denaturalization, a process where U.S. citizenship is revoked. 

What triggers this risk? 

• False claims during immigration or naturalization process 

• Criminal background not disclosed 

• Prior deportation orders not revealed 

Statement from Immigration Attorney Sarah Lopez: 

“Green card holders and naturalized citizens must ensure their entire immigration record is clean and well-documented. One forgotten error can result in severe consequences now.” 

New Mandatory Form I-90 Rule for Green Card Replacement (Effective May 29, 2025) 

Starting May 29, 2025, green card holders applying to renew or replace their cards must adhere to updated Form I-90 filing procedures issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

Key Highlights: 

• Only the new version of Form I-90 will be accepted.  

• Applicants must now meet updated biometric and documentation standards. 

• Submission of outdated forms will result in automatic rejection. 

Why this matters: Failure to update your green card in time — especially if it’s expiring or damaged — may lead to lapses in employment eligibility, travel delays, or issues during adjustment of status. 

Medical Exam Validity Update for Adjustment of Status Applicants 

In a significant clarification, USCIS has updated the Policy Manual for those filing Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) in the U.S. 

Key Change: 

• Form I-693, the immigration medical examination and vaccination record, will only be valid if the accompanying Form I-485 is still pending. 
   
   

• If the I-485 is denied or withdrawn, the Form I-693 becomes invalid — even if not expired. 

Effective Date: 

Applies to all applications filed on or after June 11, 2025. 

Implication: This change tightens the coordination between immigration medical exams and green card processing timelines, meaning applicants must act swiftly and accurately. 

1% Remittance Tax on Cash Transfers to Home Countries (Effective Jan 1, 2026) 

A major new development is the 1% remittance tax that will impact many immigrants — including Indians, Filipinos, Mexicans, and other diaspora communities — who send money back to their families overseas. 

Passed as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the remittance tax, while reduced from earlier proposals of 5% and 3.5%, still introduces a financial burden for many. 

Who Will Be Affected: 

• Any LPR or immigrant making remittance transfers using cash, money orders, cashier’s checks, or similar instruments after December 31, 2025. 

Who Will Be Exempt: 

• Transfers made using debit or credit cards 

• Transfers from bank accounts held in U.S. financial institutions 

Quote from economist Julia Hart: 

“While 1% may seem minor, it adds up fast for households making regular remittances. This policy is controversial and could disproportionately affect low-income immigrant communities.” 

The Growing Need for Legal Vigilance 

With these sweeping changes in 2025, legal experts strongly urge green card holders to: 

• Keep records updated 

• Avoid any conflict with U.S. laws (including minor offenses) 

• Understand new tax implications 

• Follow USCIS announcements closely 

Even routine processes like renewing a green card or sending money home now come with new legal and financial consequences. 

FAQs: Green Card Rules 2025 

Q1: Is my current green card still valid after May 29, 2025? 
Yes, but when applying for a replacement or renewal, you must use the new version of Form I-90. 

Q2: What is the deadline for the remittance tax to begin? 
The 1% tax applies to remittance transfers made on or after January 1, 2026. 

Q3: Will debit or credit card transfers be taxed? 
No. Only remittances using cash-like physical methods (cash, money order, etc.) will be taxed. 

Q4: Can my U.S. citizenship be revoked after naturalization? 
Yes, in cases of fraud or undisclosed information. The DOJ is actively pursuing denaturalization cases. 

Q5: What happens if my Form I-485 is denied? 
If your I-485 is denied or withdrawn, any associated Form I-693 becomes invalid and cannot be reused. 

America’s green card holders are facing a year of transition and stricter oversight in 2025. From policy changes and remittance taxes to heightened scrutiny of naturalized citizenship, it’s more important than ever for lawful permanent residents to stay compliant, informed, and proactive. 

Whether you’re applying for a new green card, sending money home, or waiting on your adjustment of status, the smallest oversight could now carry major consequences.