US Immigration Update: Major Change in Green Card Process Under New Guidelines

The Trump administration in the United States has implemented stricter rules for obtaining a green card, significantly changing how foreign nationals apply for permanent residency.

The new guidelines from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will mandate that the majority of applicants now file their green card applications abroad.

Who Is Affected by the New Green Card Rules?

The revised policy applies to a wide range of non-immigrant categories, including:

• International students studying in the U.S.
• Temporary foreign workers on work visas
• Tourists and short-term visitors

These groups will no longer be able to easily adjust their immigration status while staying inside the United States.

Limited Exceptions for In-Country Applications

The new rule allows for only “extremely exceptional circumstances” to permit those wishing to leave their current status to do so from inside the U.S. It is a major step back from the previous flexibility of immigration.

USCIS Statement on Policy Change

Foreign nationals currently in the country who would like to become permanent residents must now head back to their countries of origin to finish the program, USCIS spokesperson Zack Kaler said.

Impact on Immigrants and Visa Holders

The new policy will affect thousands of visa holders, many of whom were international students or skilled migrants who were able to change their visas to permanent residency in-country.

Immigration specialists say it may make the application process longer, adding to the difficulties of those hoping to live in the U.S. for as long as a year.