New Green Card Policy Could Force Legal Immigrants To Leave U.S.
WASHINGTON, D.C. -The Trump administration has unveiled a new immigration policy that could force many Green Card applicants living legally in the United States to leave the country and complete the process abroad, triggering criticism from immigrant advocacy groups and Democratic lawmakers, including Congressman Ami Bera.
The policy, announced through a memo issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), states that adjustment of status — the process through which eligible immigrants apply for permanent residency while remaining inside the United States — should be treated as an “extraordinary form of relief” rather than a routine immigration pathway.
Under the new approach, immigration officers have been instructed to review applications on a “case-by-case basis,” with many applicants expected to pursue consular processing from their home countries instead of remaining in the United States during the Green Card process.
USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler defended the policy, saying the administration was “returning to the original intent of the law.”
“From now on, an alien who is in the US temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances,” Kahler said.
The administration has argued that the policy would discourage visa overstays and reduce pressure on the immigration system.
The changes could have significant implications for temporary visa holders, including students, researchers, tourists and H-1B workers, many of whom traditionally adjust their status from within the United States after obtaining employer or family sponsorship.
Indian technology professionals have historically relied heavily on adjustment of status provisions because of long Green Card backlogs and country-specific visa caps. Immigration lawyers and advocacy groups have warned that forcing applicants to leave the country during processing could disrupt jobs, family stability and long-term residency plans for thousands of Indian-origin families.
Reacting to the announcement, Congressman Ami Bera sharply criticized the policy, calling it disruptive and harmful to families, workers and employers.
“I strongly oppose the Trump administration’s disruptive decision to require many students, temporary visa holders, and other individuals seeking green cards to leave the United States and return to their home countries while their applications are processed,” Bera said in a statement.
“This policy creates unnecessary fear and uncertainty for families, workers, and employers who are following the law,” he added.
Bera, a California Democrat whose parents immigrated from India, said the administration was ignoring the realities faced by immigrants already caught in lengthy visa backlogs.
Immigration advocacy groups also criticized the move, warning that it could disrupt the lives of legal immigrants and families already facing long Green Card backlogs.
Representative Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, said the policy targeted legal immigration and could lead to prolonged family separations. (IANS)
