U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjusted its policy on May 22 to require immigrants seeking green cards to apply in their home country.
“We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly,” USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler said in a statement.
“This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivizing loopholes. When aliens apply from their home country, it reduces the need to find and remove those who decide to slip into the shadows and remain in the U.S. illegally after being denied residency.”
Kahler said foreign nationals have been using temporary visas—intended for work, education, or travel—as a “first step” in seeking a green card. The new policy is intended to close that loophole, he said.
It will also allow the State Department overseas to handle those requests, allowing USCIS to focus on more urgent cases, such as victims of violent crime or human trafficking.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
