The administration of Donald Trump has announced a major change to the United States immigration process, requiring most foreigners seeking permanent residency through a Green Card to apply from their home countries.
The new policy was confirmed on Friday by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
In a statement, USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler said foreigners currently in the United States on temporary visas would generally no longer be allowed to apply for permanent residency while remaining in the country.
“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 stated.
He explained that the US immigration system was designed for temporary visitors such as students, tourists, and short-term workers to leave the country once their authorized stay expires.
“Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the US for a short time and for a specific purpose,” he said. “Their visit should not function as the first step in the Green Card process.”
Under the new arrangement, Green Card applications will now be processed primarily through the United States Department of State at American consular offices abroad.
According to reports, the United States issues more than one million Green Cards annually, with a significant number of applicants previously able to complete the process while already residing in the country.
The administration said the new rule was aimed at reducing the number of individuals who overstay their visas or remain in the country illegally after their residency applications are denied.
The latest measure forms part of broader immigration reforms pursued by President Trump since returning to office, including efforts to tighten border controls and restrict both illegal and legal immigration pathways.
