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The Department of Homeland Security has clarified that a policy announced last week requiring non-citizens to return to their home country to apply for permanent US residency will be implemented on a case-by-case basis, not as a blanket requirement for all applicants.
The clarification was provided to The New York Times on Friday, following a May 22 announcement by Trump administration spokesman Zach Kahler that “from now on, an alien who is in the US temporarily and wants a green card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances.”
That initial announcement sparked concern among millions of immigrants seeking to become permanent US residents.
A US official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said the policy “restates longstanding law and policy — which was disregarded by the Biden Administration.”
“This policy will not prevent any alien from obtaining a green card who legitimately and properly qualify,” the official said.
“It will result in some aliens who do not merit the discretionary benefit ultimately applying with the Department of State overseas.”
The official added that “this policy will have no noticeable impact on highly qualified applicants and skilled professionals who have followed the law.”
The United States grants more than one million green cards annually. According to the American Immigration Council, more than half of applicants were already in the United States before the policy change.
President Donald Trump campaigned on a pledge to expel millions of undocumented migrants. Since taking office, his administration has closed several legal pathways to US residency.
