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The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a new policy requiring legal migrants to return to their home countries to apply for green cards. This policy, aimed at aligning with the original intent of immigration laws, affects migrants who have lived and worked legally in the U.S. for years. According to USCIS, this move is intended to restore the integrity of the immigration process.
The policy change comes amid a broader halt in immigrant visa processing by the State Department in 75 countries. Critics, including immigration advocates, argue that this policy is disruptive and unfairly targets legal migrants. They express concerns that it could severely impact the most common pathways to legal immigration in the U.S.
According to ASAP Together, new security checks for USCIS applications, including green cards, could lead to longer delays. Additionally, USCIS has paused processing for immigrants from 40 countries, further complicating the situation for many applicants.
USAHello reports that these changes are part of a series of recent immigration policy shifts, including increased enforcement and detention activities. The changes have sparked legal challenges, with immigrants and advocacy groups arguing that the policies are unconstitutional and discriminatory.
As the policy takes effect, legal migrants must prepare for potential delays and additional requirements in their green card application process. Immigration advocates are urging affected individuals to seek legal advice to navigate these changes effectively.