Trump's New Green Card Rule Forces Applicants Out of US

The Trump administration is introducing a major change to immigration policy that will require most green card applicants to leave the United States during processing and complete the entire procedure from their home country, CNN reported. Until now, many foreign nationals have been able to apply for permanent residency without leaving the US.

US immigration authorities say the measure is aimed at limiting cases where people remain in the country illegally after their applications are rejected. A spokesperson for US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Zach Kahler, said the rule includes exceptions for "extraordinary circumstances" but gave no further details.

Critics argue the policy could tear families apart and force people to leave jobs or schools, as the process often takes months or years. About 1.4 million people were granted permanent residency in 2024, according to Department of Homeland Security data.

Democratic politicians have called the measure cruel and a betrayal of the American dream. New York Governor Kathy Hochul said the policy "betrays the very promise that built this country". David J. Bier, an expert at the Cato Institute, warned that the US could lose talented professionals and weaken its competitiveness.

The new measure is part of the Trump administration's broader strategy to tighten immigration controls. The White House has already cut asylum programs and reduced work and student visas, as well as protected status for migrants from several countries.

(max)