The United States government has introduced a new immigration policy requiring most foreign nationals applying for permanent residency to complete their green card process from their home countries rather than within the US
The policy, announced on Friday by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), is part of a broader tightening of immigration rules under President Donald Trump’s administration.
According to the directive, temporary visa holders currently living in the United States, including students, tourists, and foreign workers, will generally no longer be able to adjust their status to permanent residency while staying in the country.
Exceptions will only be made in what authorities described as “extraordinary circumstances”.
Under the new rule, applicants must now process their green card applications through US embassies or consulates in their countries of origin.
USCIS said the change is intended to restore the original purpose of US immigration law.
“We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly.”
“From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances.”
The agency added that the policy is designed to reduce abuse of the immigration system and curb cases where applicants remain in the US illegally after failed residency attempts.
USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler also said the previous system created loopholes that made enforcement more difficult.
“This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivising loopholes.”
“When aliens apply from their home country, it reduces the need to find and remove those who decide to slip into the shadows and remain in the U.S. illegally after being denied residency.”
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