The Trump administration made a surprising announcement on Friday that foreigners in the U.S. seeking a green card will now have to return to their home country to apply. This change impacts individuals with legal status, including those married to U.S. citizens, work and student visa holders, refugees, and political asylum seekers. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stated that nonimmigrants on temporary visas must leave the U.S. to apply for lawful permanent residency, with exceptions only in “extraordinary circumstances” as determined by USCIS officers.
This policy shift is part of the administration’s broader efforts to make legal immigration more challenging for individuals already in the U.S. and those aspiring to go there. Doug Rand, a former senior advisor at USCIS, highlighted that around 600,000 people apply annually for green cards while emphasizing the administration’s goal to reduce the number of permanent residency grants.
The implementation timeline and specifics regarding existing green card applications remain unclear. USCIS indicated that individuals providing an “economic benefit” or serving the “national interest” might be allowed to stay in the U.S., while others would be required to apply from abroad.
Experts and advocates raised concerns about the potential consequences of this policy, including the indefinite separation of families and barriers for individuals from countries with limited visa processing capabilities. USCIS defended the change as aligning with the original intent of the law and closing a perceived loophole, but critics argued that it disrupts longstanding practices for various groups seeking adjustment of status within the U.S.
Immigration attorneys and aid organizations are closely analyzing the policy’s implications, particularly for groups like individuals married to U.S. citizens, humanitarian protection seekers, and holders of different visa types. Delays in visa appointment wait times at some U.S. consulates abroad could further complicate the process for affected individuals.
The uncertainty surrounding the application of this new guidance has sparked concerns among immigrants and those assisting them, with fears that it could discourage individuals from pursuing green card applications.
