The Trump administration has unveiled a sweeping new immigration rule requiring people seeking green cards to leave the United States during the application process, a change that could upend the lives of hundreds of thousands pursuing legal permanent residency.
The rule, announced on Friday, directs applicants to return to their home countries to apply for permanent visas. The abrupt shift stands to affect a broad swath of the legal immigration population, forcing families apart, disrupting jobs, and unsettling communities, reports The New York Times.
The green card process is already known for its complexity, often stretching over months or years.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services said exemptions would apply only in “extraordinary circumstances.” Spokesperson Zach Kahler argued the measure would reduce the number of applicants who remain in the US illegally after being denied residency.
“When aliens apply from their home country, it reduces the need to find and remove those who decide to slip into the shadows,” Kahler said.
Public data show about 1.4 million people obtained lawful permanent residence in fiscal year 2024. The new rule is expected to face legal challenges and has already drawn sharp criticism.
Rep Delia C Ramirez called the policy “beyond cruel,” while New York Governor Kathy Hochul said it “betrays the very promise that built this country.”
Rep Greg Stanton warned it would make legal immigration harder “on purpose,” undermining America’s ability to attract top talent. Rep Ted Lieu labeled it “stupid,” arguing it would benefit competitors such as China and Russia.
David J Bier of the Cato Institute described the policy as “illogical,” predicting it would drive skilled workers abroad and weaken US competitiveness.
The administration has already moved to curb legal immigration by reducing asylum claims, ending temporary protected status for several countries, halting refugee admissions except for White South Africans, and restricting work and student visas.
Following last year’s shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, DC, officials also began reexamining green cards issued to nationals from 19 “countries of concern.”
