The United States government has unveiled a sweeping change to its immigration system that could leave thousands of green card hopefuls stranded outside the country for months — or even years.
Under a newly announced policy by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, foreign nationals currently living in the US on temporary visas will no longer be allowed to complete green card applications while remaining in the country, except under what officials described as “extraordinary circumstances.”
Instead, applicants seeking permanent residency will now be required to return to their home countries and complete the process through US embassies and consulates abroad.
The controversial directive, announced on Friday, May 22, is expected to affect thousands of immigrants globally, including many Kenyans pursuing permanent residency opportunities in America.
According to USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler, the new rule is designed to tighten immigration enforcement and reduce the number of migrants who remain in the US after unsuccessful residency applications.
“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 US unlawfully after being denied residency,” Kahler said.
“From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a green card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances,” he added.
Previously, many immigrants already residing legally in the US could apply for adjustment of status without leaving the country — a process widely considered faster and less disruptive for families and workers.
Immigration advocates, however, warn that the latest changes could create major uncertainty for applicants, many of whom may now face prolonged separation from their families, jobs and studies while waiting for approvals overseas.
The policy marks the latest escalation in a broader immigration crackdown under the administration of Donald Trump, which has introduced tougher measures targeting both undocumented and legal immigration pathways.
In recent months, the administration has moved to tighten asylum rules, restrict refugee admissions, review temporary protected status programmes and impose stricter scrutiny on student and work visa applications.
US authorities have also launched a review of green cards issued to nationals from 19 countries labelled as “countries of concern” following last year’s fatal shooting involving two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C..
Reports further indicate that more than one million immigrants are currently waiting for decisions on adjustment-of-status green card applications, raising fears that the new requirements could dramatically increase processing delays across the immigration system.
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