US May Ease Green Card Rules for Some Temporary Visa Holders

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has indicated that it may adopt a more flexible approach for certain foreign nationals on temporary visas seeking Green Cards, or permanent residency, in the United States.

According to USCIS, applicants considered “beneficial to the U.S. economy” may be allowed to apply for Adjustment of Status without leaving the country. Under the revised policy, some applicants may no longer be required to return to their home countries before applying for permanent residency.

Recently, President Donald Trump’s administration announced that individuals staying in the United States would no longer be permitted to apply for permanent residency from within the country. Instead, applicants would have to return to their home countries and submit their applications through U.S. embassies there.

The administration said the move was intended to strengthen the current legal immigration system. However, the decision has sparked criticism from immigration lawyers and advocacy organizations.

USCIS spokesperson Jack Kahler said applicants whose cases are deemed beneficial to the U.S. economy and aligned with national interests may still be eligible to apply under the existing rules. Others, however, may be instructed to apply from their home countries depending on individual circumstances.

Analysts warn that the new policy could put many families at risk of separation and may also cause individuals to lose professional opportunities.

Criticizing the Trump administration’s decision, Houston-based immigration attorney Steven Brown said, “We have consistently seen this administration act first and think later. I call it ‘shoot first, aim later.’ They make an announcement that creates attention-grabbing headlines, then later realize the policy has major flaws and attempt to soften it.”

The nonprofit organization HIAS, which assists refugees and other immigrants, said the policy could negatively affect victims of human trafficking as well as abused and neglected children. According to the group, such individuals may now also be required to leave the United States to complete parts of the permanent residency process.

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) also criticized the move in a post on social media platform X, stating that attempting to change long-standing immigration rules through a simple memorandum is unlawful and could create confusion. The organization added that the administration’s decision may face legal challenges in court.