Green Card Seekers Must Leave U.S. to Apply, Trump Administration Says
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- The Trump administration announced a policy change requiring most foreigners seeking green cards to apply from their home countries, limiting in-country approvals to "extraordinary circumstances."
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stated this shift aims to reduce illegal residency by closing perceived loopholes in the immigration system.
- Immigration experts warn the change could increase family separations and cause longer processing times due to overburdened consular offices worldwide.
- In 2024, about 1.4 million green cards were issued, with over 820,000 granted through in-country adjustments of status, a process now largely restricted by this new policy.
- The policy has caused confusion among immigration lawyers regarding exceptions and is expected to face legal challenges.