The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Friday that foreigners seeking to adjust their immigration status to obtain green cards must now do so from outside the country through the State Department. This policy change has drawn criticism from aid organizations.
Policy Details
In a policy memo, USCIS directed officers to consider relevant factors on a case-by-case basis when determining whether extraordinary relief is warranted. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees USCIS, stated, "An alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply." The department emphasized that this policy aligns with the law's intent and eliminates loopholes.
Impact on Agency Resources
USCIS claimed the new policy will free up resources to focus on processing other cases. However, HIAS, an aid group supporting refugees and other immigrants, argued that the change forces survivors of trafficking and abused children to return to dangerous countries they fled in order to apply for permanent residency.
Broader Context
This move is part of a series of steps by President Donald Trump to tighten U.S. immigration. Last year, the administration shortened visa durations for students, cultural exchange visitors, and media members. In January, the State Department reported revoking over 100,000 visas since Trump took office.
