5 Key Points About the New U.S. Green Card Policy

The United States has announced a significant change to its immigration system, requiring most individuals applying for green cards to do so from outside the country. This marks a notable shift in the processing of permanent residency applications.

Here are five key points about the new policy:

1. Most applicants must apply from outside the US

Under the new rule issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), applicants for a green card will generally need to leave the United States and complete their application through a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Only in “extraordinary circumstances” may applicants complete the process while remaining in the country.

2. The policy closes a long-standing “in‑country” loophole

Previously, many visa holders and visitors could apply for a change of status without leaving the U.S. Authorities say the new approach is intended to eliminate what they describe as a loophole that allowed people to stay in the country while their applications were processed.

3. Students, workers and tourists are directly affected

The rule applies to individuals on temporary visas, including international students, temporary workers and tourists. They must now go through consular processing from outside the United States if they wish to apply for permanent residency.

4. Some exceptions may still apply

USCIS states that certain applicants may be allowed to continue their process within the U.S. if their cases are considered to provide an economic benefit or are deemed to be in the national interest. These will be assessed individually and are expected to be limited.

5. Concerns over family separation and uncertainty

Critics warn that the policy could disrupt the lives of hundreds of thousands of immigrants and families, potentially forcing applicants to leave the U.S. for extended periods during a process that can take months or years. More than a million people are reportedly already waiting for green card decisions.

Officials from the Department of Homeland Security argue the move will make the system more efficient and aligned with immigration law, while critics say it introduces uncertainty and could significantly reduce lawful immigration pathways.

Vanguard News

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