US Requires Most Green Card Applicants to Apply From Abroad

(MENAFN) The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced Friday a major change to immigration procedures, stating that most foreign nationals seeking permanent residency will now be required to apply for green cards from outside the United States through the State Department, according to reports.

Under the new guidance, USCIS said that requests to adjust immigration status inside the US should only be approved in “extraordinary circumstances,” with each case subject to individual review based on specific factors and available information.

“We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly,” USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler said in a statement.

“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,” he added.

The policy applies to nonimmigrant categories such as international students, temporary workers, and tourists, who are typically admitted for limited stays and specific purposes, with USCIS stating that such visits should not serve as an initial step toward permanent residency.

“Their visit should not function as the first step in the Green Card process,” Kahler said.

The move drew criticism from immigrant rights advocates, who warned it could separate families, create additional procedural barriers, and leave some applicants facing prolonged delays or risks upon returning to their home countries.

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