US softens stance on Green Card applications after public outcry

The U.S. government has scaled back its proposed restrictions on Green Card applications after facing significant public backlash. Initially, the plan, announced by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), would have required most applicants to apply from outside the United States, with exceptions only for "exceptional circumstances."

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They served only as a reminder for officers to exercise their discretion.

This policy aimed to prevent individuals from using short-term visits, such as those for students or temporary workers, as a stepping stone to permanent residency. However, the Department of Homeland Security has since clarified that the rule will be applied "on a case-by-case basis." This means officials will have discretion in deciding whether applicants must leave the U.S. to complete their Green Card process.

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Their visit should not serve as the first step in the Green Card process.

The initial announcement drew sharp criticism from various quarters. Democratic Representative Chuy Garcia called the plan "absurd and cruel," arguing it would force thousands of legal immigrants, including spouses of U.S. citizens, to leave their homes and families for extended periods. Many Green Card applicants already live and work in the U.S. for years on limited visas before seeking permanent residency, with over half of applicants reportedly already in the country when they apply.

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absurd and cruel