A recent policy change by the Trump administration has sparked confusion and concern among immigrants, their advocates, and lawyers. This new rule requires individuals seeking green cards to apply from their home countries, with exceptions limited to ‘extraordinary circumstances’.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which manages the green card system, announced that this change is effective immediately. Previously, many applicants adjusted their status while residing within the United States. In 2024, a total of 1.4 million green cards were issued, with over 800,000 recipients already in the U.S. during the process.
The change is particularly concerning for those married to U.S. citizens. These individuals usually manage their immigration status before applying for permanent residence without leaving the country. Charles Kuck, an immigration lawyer and former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, highlighted that this policy aims to decrease immigration rates and create a deterrent by making the process more difficult.
Agency spokesman Zach Kahler stated that the policy aims to close a loophole that allowed immigrants to remain in the U.S. illegally after residency denial.
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