WASHINGTON – The United States government has unveiled a new immigration policy requiring most foreign nationals seeking permanent residency to complete their green card applications from their home countries instead of applying while residing in the US.
The policy was announced United States Citizenship and Immigration Services as part of the immigration measures introduced under the administration of Donald Trump.
The directive is expected to impact thousands of temporary visa holders currently living in the United States, including students, tourists and foreign workers. Under the new rules, applicants on temporary visas will generally no longer be allowed to adjust their immigration status to permanent residency while remaining in the country, except in what officials described as “extraordinary circumstances.”
nstead, applicants seeking green cards will be required to return to their countries of origin and complete the process through US embassies or consulates.
In a statement, USCIS said the decision was aimed at restoring the original intent of American immigration laws and strengthening enforcement of the immigration system.
“We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly,” the agency stated.
USCIS officials argued that the previous process created loopholes that made immigration enforcement more difficult and encouraged some individuals to remain in the country illegally after unsuccessful residency applications.
USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler said the revised policy would help reduce abuse of the system and improve immigration oversight.
The agency further maintained that temporary visas were intended for short-term visits and specific purposes rather than serving as a pathway to permanent residence or citizenship. Officials said students, tourists and temporary workers are expected to leave the country once their authorised stay expires.
Authorities also stated that moving green card processing to overseas consular offices would allow immigration departments to redirect resources toward citizenship applications and support services for trafficking victims and survivors of violent crimes.
Meanwhile, the United States Department of Homeland Security also endorsed the policy change in a statement shared on social media, saying the move would help ensure immigration laws function as intended and curb exploitation of the system.
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