The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a major immigration policy change requiring most green card applicants already living in the United States to return to their home countries to complete their applications.
According to the new directive released by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), immigrants seeking lawful permanent residency will now be expected to undergo “consular processing” abroad instead of adjusting their immigration status while remaining inside the U.S.
The policy reportedly affects a large number of foreigners currently residing in the United States on temporary visas, including workers, students, and family-based applicants. Officials said only individuals facing “extraordinary circumstances” may be allowed to complete the process from within the country.
The Trump administration explained that the move is aimed at restoring what it described as the original intent of U.S. immigration law and reducing cases of visa overstays or unlawful residence after application denials.
However, immigration lawyers and advocacy groups have expressed concern over the development, warning that the policy could separate families, disrupt employment, and create uncertainty for thousands of legal immigrants waiting for permanent residency approvals.
Reports indicate that the new rule may also impact skilled foreign professionals working in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and engineering, especially those applying through employment-based immigration pathways.
Critics have described the measure as one of the most significant immigration policy shifts under the Trump administration, while supporters argue it could strengthen enforcement and reduce loopholes within the legal immigration system.
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The implementation timeline and full details regarding pending applications are still being clarified by immigration authorities.
