The Trump administration has introduced a major policy change that will significantly restrict how foreign visa holders apply for US permanent residency, requiring many applicants to complete the process outside the United States.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that most foreign nationals currently living in the US on temporary visas, including students, tourists, and temporary workers, will no longer be able to rely on the “adjustment of status” process in the country.
Under the revised policy, applicants seeking a Green Card will generally be directed to apply for immigrant visas through US consulates in their home countries. The US Department of State will oversee this process abroad.
USCIS stated that approvals for adjustment of status applications filed within the United States will now be granted only in exceptional or extraordinary circumstances and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Officials said the policy aims to ensure applicants follow what the administration considers the proper legal immigration process and aligns with broader efforts to tighten immigration controls.
The new guidance also instructs immigration officers to examine whether applicants’ activities in the US match the purpose of their original visa or entry status.
Immigration advocates have warned that the change could lead to longer processing times and potential family separation, as some applicants may be required to leave the country while their cases are processed abroad.
The policy marks one of the most significant adjustments to both employment-based and family-based immigration procedures in recent years and is expected to face legal and political challenges.
