US tells green card seekers to apply from abroad

USCIS announced a rule requiring aliens in the US temporarily who want a green card to return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances. USCIS said nonimmigrants such as students, temporary workers, and tourists come for a short time and a specific purpose, and the system is designed for them to leave when their visit ends. USCIS stated that requiring applications from home countries reduces the need to find and remove people who remain illegally after being denied residency. The change is part of broader efforts to restrict entry from many countries. Details remain unclear, including implementation timing, whether applicants must stay abroad for the entire process, and how the rule affects applications already underway.

"“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,” US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) spokesman Zach Kahler said in a statement."

"“Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the US for a short time and for a specific purpose,” Kahler said, adding, “Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over.”"

"Kahler said having green card seekers apply from their home nation “reduces the need to find and remove those who decide to slip into the shadows and remain in the US illegally after being denied residency.”"

"USCIS has not clarified the details about the new rule, like when the change would be implemented, whether individuals would be required to stay in another country throughout the entire process, or how the new rule would apply to foreigners whose green card applications are already underway."

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