Trump directs legal migrants to return to home country to apply for green cards
The guidance could affect about 600,000 applicants a year and may delay cases for months or years, immigration experts said.
- On Friday, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that most foreigners seeking green cards must return to their home countries to apply, with exemptions only for "extraordinary circumstances."
- The Trump administration defended the rule as a return to "the original intent of the law," aiming to close a "loophole" that allowed more than 820,000 people to adjust status inside the country last year.
- Immigration experts warn the policy creates a "Catch-22" for families, as about 600,000 annual applicants may face indefinite separation while navigating an already overburdened consular processing system, according to Sarah Pierce of Third Way.
- USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler stated that individuals providing an "economic benefit" or "national interest" might remain in the U.S., though attorneys like Jessie De Haven expressed confusion about applying these vague exceptions.
- Legal challenges are widely expected to follow this announcement, which marks the latest effort by the Trump administration to restrict legal immigration pathways in the United States alongside ongoing crackdowns on illegal entry.
183 Articles
183 Articles
Eyes On US Green Card? New Policy Shift Means You Might Have to Return to Your Home Country First
WASHINGTON: Foreigners in the U.S. who want a green card will need to leave and apply in their home country, the Trump administration announced Friday, in a surprise change to a longstanding policy that sowed confusion and concern among aid groups, immigration lawyers and immigra
Green Card Seekers No Longer Can Apply From Inside US
Most foreigners applying to become permanent residents of the US will have to leave the country to do it from now on, under a Trump administration policy shift announced Friday that breaks with longstanding practice. A memo from US Citizenship and Immigration Services directs most green card applicants to apply...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 48% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium




































