Arabic version: سياسة البطاقة الخضراء الجديدة تتطلب من المتقدمين مغادرة الولايات المتحدة
The US has announced a new policy that means most immigrants seeking a green card will have to leave the country and apply at an embassy or consulate abroad. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said on Friday that people seeking a change in status must do so through consular processing outside of the country “except in extraordinary circumstances”.
According to BBC News, this policy is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to curtail illegal immigration by closing a loophole that had allowed visa holders and visitors to apply for a green card while still in the US. Critics argue that this change may separate families during the lengthy application process and could complicate re-entry for those who leave the country.
The USCIS policy memo specifies that individuals on temporary visas, including students and workers, must apply for their green cards through the Department of State from their home countries. USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler emphasized that this shift aims to enhance the efficiency and fairness of the immigration system, ensuring that those who wish to obtain residency follow the law.
As the policy takes effect, it remains uncertain how it will impact pending green card applications. A spokesperson for the USCIS indicated that applications providing economic benefits may still proceed without needing to apply abroad, while others might be required to do so based on individual circumstances. Currently, there are more than a million legal immigrants waiting for approval on their adjustment of status green card applications.
Michael Valverde, who was a senior official at USCIS under both Republican and Democratic administrations until his departure last year, expressed concerns that this policy change could significantly disrupt the plans of many families and employers, limiting lawful immigration to the US. Valverde described the announcement as largely unprecedented, creating uncertainty for those who have adhered to immigration rules. The Trump administration has previously enacted various restrictions affecting citizens from nearly 40 countries, further complicating the immigration landscape.
