The Trump administration has announced a major change to the US Green Card application process. Under the new policy, most foreigners seeking permanent residency in the United States will now have to apply from their home countries instead of from within the US.
The announcement was made on Friday by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). According to USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler, individuals staying in the United States temporarily will generally no longer be allowed to apply for a Green Card while remaining in the country.
Kahler explained that nonimmigrants, including students, temporary workers, and tourists, enter the United States for a limited period and for specific purposes. He said the immigration system is designed for them to leave once their stay ends.
He added that temporary visits should not become the starting point for obtaining permanent residency. Under the revised policy, applicants seeking a US Green Card will be required to return to their home nations to complete the process, except in extraordinary cases.
The Trump administration says the move is aimed at strengthening immigration controls and reducing illegal overstays. Officials believe the new system will make it easier to manage applicants and prevent individuals from remaining in the country unlawfully after a residency request is denied.
According to a report by The Washington Post, the United States issues more than one million Green Cards every year. Previously, more than half of the applicants were already living in the US while applying for permanent residency.
The updated process will shift Green Card handling to US consular offices abroad. The State Department will now manage most applications outside the United States instead of processing them domestically.
The policy is part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration agenda. During his election campaign, Trump promised tougher immigration enforcement and stricter border controls. Since returning to office, his administration has also limited several legal pathways for residency and migration.
Immigration experts say the decision could affect thousands of international students, workers, and visitors currently living in the US on temporary visas. Many applicants may now face additional travel costs, delays, and uncertainty during the application process.
Supporters of the policy argue it could improve immigration oversight and discourage misuse of temporary visas. Critics, however, believe the new rule may create difficulties for families and skilled workers already contributing to the US economy.
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The new US Green Card policy is expected to receive significant attention in the coming weeks as immigration lawyers and affected applicants review the changes. Further details regarding implementation and exceptions are likely to be announced by USCIS and the State Department soon.
