US Tightens Green Card Rules in Major Immigration Policy Shift

(Donald Trump. Photo by PBS)

Major changes to US immigration policy are here and they could affect thousands of migrants currently living in America on temporary visas!

The Trump administration has rolled out new immigration guidelines through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that significantly tighten the path to permanent residency for migrants already in the country.

Here is what the new policy means in simple terms 

Under the previous system, many migrants on temporary visas could apply for a Green Card without ever leaving the United States a process known as "adjustment of status." That is now largely being scrapped.

Going forward, migrants on temporary visas who want permanent residency will generally be required to:

Return to their home countries, Apply for an immigrant visa through the US Department of State abroad, Complete all screening and processing outside the US, Only then reenter America as lawful permanent residents

The only exceptions will be for individuals facing what USCIS describes as "extraordinary circumstances." 

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow defended the move, saying the administration is simply restoring the original intent of immigration law and reinforcing the difference between temporary admission and permanent residence.

USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler added that the policy would also help reduce cases where migrants remain in the country illegally after their residency applications are denied.

The new guidance affects applications filed under Section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act  a provision that has long allowed eligible migrants to adjust their status without leaving US soil.

This is a significant shift that could impact a large number of immigrants currently in the US.