Trump administration walks back recent Green Card announcement

The Trump administration has walked back a recent announcement that would have required non-citizens seeking permanent U.S. residency, commonly known as a Green Card, to return to their home countries to apply. The New York Times reported that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified its policy, stating it would be implemented "on a case-by-case basis" rather than as a universal requirement.

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from now on, an alien who is in the US temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances.

This policy shift follows an announcement on May 22 by Trump administration spokesman Zach Kahler, who stated that aliens temporarily in the U.S. seeking a Green Card would need to apply from their home countries, except in extraordinary circumstances. The initial announcement was seen as a significant departure from existing U.S. policy and raised considerable concern among millions of immigrants aiming for permanent residency.

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This policy announcement was not a requirement for all applicants, but would rather be implemented “on a case-by-case basis.”

During his presidential campaign, Donald Trump pledged to expel millions of undocumented migrants. Since taking office, his administration has also restricted several legal avenues for obtaining U.S. residency. According to the American Immigration Council, the United States grants over one million Green Cards annually, with more than half of applicants previously being within the U.S.

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This policy will not prevent any alien from obtaining a green card who legitimately and properly qualify. It will result in some aliens who do not merit the discretionary benefit ultimately applying with the Department of State overseas.

A U.S. official, speaking anonymously to AFP, described the policy as a restatement of "longstanding law and policy" that had been disregarded by the Biden administration. The official asserted that the policy would not affect those who legitimately qualify for a Green Card and would primarily impact those who do not merit the discretionary benefit, requiring them to apply overseas. The official also claimed the policy would have "no noticeable impact on highly qualified applicants and skilled professionals who have followed the law."

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This policy will have no noticeable impact on highly qualified applicants and skilled professionals who have followed the law.