Trump Administration Tightens U.S. Green Card Application Rules

 
The Trump administration has significantly tightened the procedures for applying for U.S. green cards, mandating that applicants generally submit their applications from their home countries. The previous practice of adjusting status while remaining in the U.S. will now only be allowed in exceptional circumstances.
 
According to Yonhap News on May 23, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced a new policy requiring foreign nationals to apply for green cards from outside the United States.
 
Previously, foreign nationals in the U.S. on student, tourist, or work visas could adjust their status and apply for a green card based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or employment. However, under the new rules, unless there are special circumstances, applicants must return to their home country to apply through a local U.S. consulate.
 
Citing the Washington Post, Yonhap reported that this measure is part of a hardline immigration policy aimed at preventing cases where individuals enter the U.S. on short-term visas and then remain long-term.
 
USCIS spokesperson Jack Carler stated, "Individuals on non-immigrant visas, such as students, temporary workers, and tourists, are visiting the U.S. for specific short-term purposes. Their visit should not be the first step toward obtaining a green card." He added, "In the future, foreign nationals temporarily in the U.S. will need to return to their home countries to apply for a green card unless there are exceptional circumstances. This approach will help reduce issues related to illegal stays after status denials."
 
The impact of this policy change is expected to be substantial. The New York Times reported that approximately 1.4 million people obtained green cards in the U.S. last year, with 820,000 of them adjusting their status while in the country. Under the new regulations, many of these individuals may need to return home to restart the application process.
 
A significant concern is the potential for lengthy processing times for green card applications. Even if applicants have U.S. citizen spouses or family members, they may face months or years of waiting in their home countries, leading to prolonged separations from their families.
 
The Wall Street Journal noted that appointments at U.S. consulates are already backlogged for months or even years, suggesting that the implementation of the new rules could exacerbate these delays. It also estimated that millions could be directly or indirectly affected by this policy change.