US Green Card holder shares harrowing account of 'waiting game' amidst Trump-era immigration crackdown

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A Canadian citizen has shed light on the arduous process of obtaining a US Green Card, sharing a detailed timeline of their journey on Reddit to offer hope to others navigating the complex immigration system. The Green Card, also known as a Permanent Residence Card, grants its holder legal resident status, paving the way for US citizenship after three to five years and allowing them to reside and work in the country permanently. The applicant, who got married in Canada in 2000, began the immigration process in August 2023 after a petition was filed. They described the waiting process as 'painful', with initial timelines being revised multiple times. Despite plans to relocate to the US in 2024 falling through, the applicant was able to visit the country as a Canadian citizen and spent several months there without any issues. The applicant's I-130 petition received approval in late November 2024, prompting them to initiate the DS-260 Visa application process. However, the application initially contained an error, which was corrected a few weeks later. After the Visa was conditionally approved in February 2025, the applicant waited for their interview, which was scheduled for September 11 in Montreal. The necessary medical examination was conducted during a visit to the US. The interview proceeded smoothly, and by September 25, the passport and visa were available for collection, with a deadline of December 11, 2025, for entry into the US. The applicant entered the country by land on October 23. According to their claim, USCIS instructed the release of the Green Card on October 30, with a Social Security Number received on November 3 and the Green Card itself delivered on November 10. The applicant's account offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by those navigating the US immigration system, particularly amidst the Trump-era crackdown. Their story serves as a testament to the resilience of those seeking a better life in the US.