Confusion Over New Green Card Policy

A new federal policy may require many immigrants to return to their birth countries before applying for green cards. This has left applicants and immigration lawyers uncertain about how it will impact the path to permanent residency. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated that permanent residence would be granted to those already in the United States only under ‘extraordinary circumstances.’ Most applicants must now apply at an American consulate in their home country.

Advocacy groups and immigration lawyers predict a reduction in green card applications due to this change. In 2024, over 800,000 out of 1.4 million green card recipients were already residing in the United States, having modified their status as part of the process.

Charles Kuck, an immigration lawyer and former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, expressed concern especially for those married to U.S. citizens. These individuals typically resolve their immigration status while in the U.S. before applying for a green card. ‘This is an attempt to slow immigration,’ said Kuck, emphasizing the deterrent effect of the policy.

Zach Kahler, a spokesman for USCIS, argued that the new policy would close a gap where immigrants could remain in the U.S. illegally after a residency application denial.