For over 50 years, foreigners living legally in the U.S. could apply for a green card without leaving the country. That changed Friday.
USCIS announced that most foreign nationals — including work visa holders, students, and spouses of U.S. citizens — must now return to their home country to complete the green card process.
Limited exceptions exist for those who provide an “economic benefit” or serve “national interest” — but USCIS has not defined what those terms mean. No implementation date has been set. Immigration lawyers say they are still trying to understand who the policy applies to.
WHY IT MATTERS
If you or someone you know is in the U.S. on a work or student visa and pursuing permanent residency, this policy could require leaving the country mid-process — including to countries where U.S. embassies are closed, like Afghanistan.
Immigration attorneys are urging affected individuals to consult a lawyer before taking any action. Do not make decisions based on the announcement alone — the details are still unclear
-Elijah Iraheta, Editor-in-Chief, ASC News
