Administration Upends Green Card Application Process

The Trump administration announced May 22 that most foreign nationals seeking green cards must return to their home countries to apply.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a new policy that those seeking permanent residency must go through consular processing via the Department of State outside of the country.

“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,” USCIS said in a statement.

The statement noted that USCIS officers “are directed to consider all relevant factors and information on a case-by-case basis” when determining whether an applications warrants relief.

Officials said the policy change “frees up limited USCIS resources to focus on processing other cases that fall under its purview.”

For over half a century, foreign nationals with legal status have been able to apply for and complete the entire process for permanent residence in the U.S. for over 50 years.

That includes applicants married to U.S. citizens, work and student visa holderss, and refugees and political asylum seekers.

While the policy change does not impact green card renewals, it is uncertain whether pending applications are impacted.