The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Friday that foreigners seeking green cards must apply from their home countries through consular processing, according to HuffPost and Reuters. This policy change affects those temporarily in the U.S., including survivors of trafficking and abused children. The USCIS stated that this move aims to free up agency resources for other cases.
Key Takeaways
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that foreigners seeking to adjust their immigration status must apply from outside the country via the State Department. This policy change has been criticized by aid groups as it forces vulnerable individuals back to dangerous countries. The move is part of a series of steps taken by the Trump administration to tighten migration policies.
The new directive requires green card petitioners to leave the country indefinitely, even if they are legally present or have family ties with U.S. citizens. According to Fox News, the Trump administration claims the policy aligns with the original intent of immigration laws and discourages loopholes.
Aid groups like HIAS criticized the decision, arguing that it forces vulnerable individuals back to dangerous countries they fled. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) did not immediately respond to requests for comment. This policy is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten migration policies, including shortening visa durations and revoking over 100,000 visas since taking office.
The USCIS will grant 'adjustment of status' only in extraordinary circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Critics argue that many overstays have U.S. citizen spouses or children, pay taxes, and fill labor shortages, facing long processing delays and humanitarian concerns if removed from the country.
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