U.S. Government Mandates Green Card Applicants Apply From Home Countries
The Trump administration announced a significant policy change requiring non-immigrants seeking Green Cards to apply from their home countries, reversing a decades-long practice. Previously, individuals with legal status in the U.S., including those married to citizens or on work/student visas, could complete the entire permanent residency process domestically. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) framed this as a return to the 'original intent of the law' and closing a 'loophole,' aiming to reduce the number of people gaining permanent residency. The effective date and impact on ongoing applications remain unclear.
Key Points
- The U.S. government has mandated that Green Card seekers must now apply from their home countries.
- This policy reverses a long-standing practice that allowed non-immigrants to complete the process while in the U.S.
- The change affects various categories, including individuals married to U.S. citizens and those on work or student visas.
- USCIS justifies the change as a return to the 'original intent of the law' and closing a 'loophole'.
- The new policy aims to reduce the number of people obtaining permanent residency in the U.S.
Exam Facts
- Issuing authority: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Administration: Trump administration.
- Policy change: Non-immigrants must apply for Green Cards from home countries.
- Previous practice: Over half a century of allowing domestic processing for legal residents.
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