Most Green Card Applicants Will Need to Apply From Home Country Under New Policy
A federal official said the policy is intended to close a loophole that allowed foreign nationals to stay in the United States after their visas expired.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjusted its policy on May 22 to require immigrants seeking green cards to apply in their home country.

“We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly,” USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler said in a statement.

“This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivizing loopholes. When aliens apply from their home country, it reduces the need to find and remove those who decide to slip into the shadows and remain in the U.S. illegally after being denied residency.”

Kahler said foreign nationals have been using temporary visas—intended for work, education, or travel—as a “first step” in seeking a green card. The new policy is intended to close that loophole, he said.

It will also allow the State Department overseas to handle those requests, allowing USCIS to focus on more urgent cases, such as victims of violent crime or human trafficking.

Around 1.36 million people were granted green cards in 2024.

https://www.theepochtimes.com/...age&ea_med=section-1

Sounds like a good move but I'm sure if a Liberal ever gets back in the White House it will change back again.
I wonder how it will affect those already here that have applied for the green card.

Good idea!
More hurdles is what we need and any excuse to send them all back home then have them re-apply so we can check them out and deny them return entrance if they warrant denial.

Horrible Idea. The process is so screwed up, the easiest way to do it, legally is doing it illegally by over staying your visa and a lawyer to do the paperwork. Even then you spend around 8 years and $15k in attornies fees to get it done.

They need to stream line the process and make it easier for people to come into the country LEGALLY. Legally, where they are vetted properly for criminal issues, diseases, and encourage immigration that is helpful to the U.S. All 4 of my grandparents immigrated here legally, as children.