America's Green Card Overhaul Begins

U.S. Green Card Policy Shifts

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Friday that foreign nationals seeking to adjust their immigration status to obtain green cards while in the United States will now generally be required to apply from outside the country. This policy change, communicated via a memo, directs officers to consider individual circumstances for extraordinary relief, marking a significant shift in immigration procedures that had remained largely consistent for over 60 years.

Previously, individuals could apply for a green card either at a U.S. consulate abroad or through an “adjustment of status” while already present in the U.S. The new USCIS directive, issued under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), mandates that most applicants temporarily residing in the U.S. will need to return to their home countries to complete the application process. This measure is intended to align the immigration system with legal interpretations, according to DHS.

The policy is anticipated to impact over one million legal immigrants awaiting green cards in the U.S., potentially requiring them to leave their jobs, homes, and families for an indeterminate period while their cases are processed. Aid organizations have expressed concerns regarding the implications for vulnerable populations, including survivors of trafficking and abused children, who may be compelled to return to dangerous environments.

This change is the latest in a series of immigration policy adjustments implemented by the Trump administration, which have included shortening visa durations and revoking numerous visas.