The Trump administration announces a major change to U.S. green card processing for people in the United States on temporary nonimmigrant visas. Multiple outlets report that, under the new policy, most applicants who are currently in the U.S. temporarily must return to their home countries to apply for lawful permanent residency, rather than adjusting status from within the United States. Officials describe this as ending a practice that allowed many visa holders and visitors to use their time in the U.S. as an initial step in the green card process.
Reports say the administration frames the change as a requirement for “consular processing,” with applications handled through U.S. consulates abroad and the U.S. State Department playing the role in overseas processing. The policy includes an exception for “extraordinary circumstances,” but the scope of who qualifies remains unclear in reporting. Several outlets also note it is a departure from a longstanding approach and that it could affect a large number of people who previously applied from inside the U.S. The change is presented by the administration as reducing incentives for people to remain in the U.S. after denials.
