Trump orders foreigners applying for green cards to return to their home countries

United States President Donald Trump has directed Nigerians and other foreign nationals who are applying for green cards to return to their home countries and complete the application process abroad, except in extraordinary circumstances.

The president announced the new immigration directive on Friday.

A statement from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said the policy is intended to restore what it calls the original intent of U.S. immigration law.

According to the statement, foreigners seeking adjustment of status will now have to process their residency applications through U.S. consular offices overseas under the supervision of the Department of State.

“We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly,” the statement read. “From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances.”