US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a major policy shift on Friday requiring many foreigners seeking permanent residency in the United States to apply for green cards from outside the country instead of adjusting their immigration status while remaining inside the US.
The new directive forms part of a broader immigration crackdown under Donald Trump, whose administration has tightened visa and migration policies over the past year.
USCIS issued the policy change through an official memorandum instructing immigration officers to evaluate requests for extraordinary relief “on a case-by-case basis” while considering relevant facts and circumstances.
The US Department of Homeland Security said the move would restore the immigration process “as the law intended.”
“An alien who is in the US temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply,” the department said in a statement.
“This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivising loopholes.”
Officials also argued that the change would help free up agency resources and improve processing efficiency for other immigration applications.
Aid groups warn policy could endanger vulnerable migrants
Immigration and refugee organisations strongly criticised the policy and warned it could expose vulnerable migrants to danger.
HIAS said the new rules could force trafficking survivors and abused children to return to countries they had escaped from in order to complete green card procedures.
The group argued that the policy would place already vulnerable migrants at greater risk.
Advocacy organisations also expressed concern that applicants could face long delays, uncertainty and security threats after leaving the United States.
Immigration lawyers noted that many people currently apply for adjustment of status while legally residing in the country through temporary visas or humanitarian protections.
Critics said forcing applicants to leave the US may discourage some migrants from pursuing permanent residency altogether.
The Trump administration, however, has repeatedly defended stricter immigration controls as necessary for national security and border enforcement.
Trump administration continues immigration crackdown
Friday’s announcement marks the latest in a series of immigration restrictions introduced during Trump’s presidency.
Last year, the administration shortened the duration of visas issued to students, journalists and cultural exchange visitors.
In January, the US Department of State announced it had revoked more than 100,000 visas since Trump returned to office.
The administration has also expanded deportation efforts and tightened scrutiny of asylum and residency applications.
Analysts say the latest green card policy reflects the White House’s broader push to reduce legal migration pathways and increase overseas processing requirements.
The decision could affect thousands of immigrants currently living in the United States under temporary legal status.
Immigration experts expect legal challenges and heightened debate over the policy in coming months as advocacy groups continue pressing the administration to reconsider the move.