US Tightens Green Card Application Rules
The Trump administration has issued a major immigration policy change requiring many foreign nationals seeking green cards to leave the United States and apply from their home countries through the consular process. The move could affect hundreds of thousands of applicants currently seeking lawful permanent residence.
US Green Card Applicants Must Apply From Abroad
Under the new directive, many temporary visa holders who want permanent residency will no longer be allowed to complete the full green card process from inside the United States.
Officials said applicants will generally have to return to their home country and apply through a U.S. consulate, except in limited or extraordinary circumstances. The administration said the move is intended to restore the original intent of immigration law and prevent misuse of the adjustment of status process.
Trump Immigration Policy Targets Status Adjustment
The policy narrows the use of adjustment of status, a process that allowed eligible applicants already in the U.S. to seek permanent residency without leaving the country.
The change may affect students, tourists, workers and others who entered legally and later sought green cards through family or employment-based sponsorship. However, some categories, including certain high-skilled visa holders, refugees and asylees, may still qualify for processing inside the U.S.
Critics Warn Of Family And Workforce Disruption
Immigration lawyers and advocacy groups have warned that the policy could separate families, disrupt employers and create uncertainty for applicants who followed legal procedures.
Supporters of the change argue that it will reduce backlogs, limit overstays and make the immigration system more consistent with federal law. The full impact will depend on how immigration officers apply the new rules and which exemptions are allowed.
