The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major immigration policy change that could affect thousands of foreign nationals seeking permanent residency.
Under the new guidance, many temporary visa holders pursuing Green Cards will now be required to leave the United States and apply through U.S. consulates in their home countries instead of completing the process while remaining in the country.
Officials say the change is intended to align the immigration system with existing laws and reduce what they describe as misuse of adjustment-of-status pathways. USCIS also stated that exceptions may only be granted under extraordinary circumstances.
The move has sparked criticism from immigration advocates and aid organizations, who warn it could separate families, disrupt careers, and place vulnerable individuals at risk if they are forced to return to unsafe environments.
The policy forms part of broader immigration measures introduced by the Trump administration and could significantly reshape how Green Card applications are handled in the future.
