The Trump administration has introduced stricter rules for obtaining a US Green Card, making the permanent residency process more difficult for foreign nationals.
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States will now generally be required to apply from outside the country through the US Department of State.
Officials said that only in “exceptional circumstances” will applicants be allowed to adjust their immigration status while remaining inside the United States. In most cases, applicants will need to return to their home countries to complete the application process.
USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler stated that foreign nationals who are temporarily staying in the US and wish to apply for a Green Card must now leave the country and submit their applications from abroad.
The updated guidance applies to several categories of non-immigrant visa holders, including international students, temporary workers, and tourists.
The policy shift is expected to significantly impact many immigrants already residing in the US on temporary visas, as it removes the previous flexibility that allowed some applicants to transition to permanent residency without leaving the country.
The move reflects a broader tightening of immigration procedures under the current policy framework, with officials emphasizing stricter enforcement and more controlled pathways to permanent residency.
