Trump Administration to Force Foreign Nationals to Apply for a Green Card Outside the U.S.

The Trump administration recently announced that foreigners in the U.S. who want a green card will need to leave and apply in their home country.

In the past, foreign nationals with legal status, such as individuals married to U.S. citizens, holders of work and student visas, and refugees and asylum seekers, have been able to complete the process in the United States.

“Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the U.S. for a short time and for a specific purpose. Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over. Their visit should not function as the first step in the Green Card process," U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said in a statement.

After the announcement, foreigners who are in the U.S. temporarily and want to apply to become permanent residents have to return to their home country and apply there, except in "extraordinary circumstances".

Many have expressed concerns for those who are in the U.S. seeking asylum and may not be able to return to their home country safely. Officers will consider all factors on a case-by-case basis to determine who is granted an exception, according to the agency.

"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,” USCIS said in a statement.

The change comes amid efforts by the Trump administration to reform the immigration process. Gaining permanent residency, or a green card, is one step closer to obtaining full U.S. citizenship.