WASHINGTON: The Trump administration has introduced stricter measures for obtaining a US Green Card, requiring most applicants seeking permanent residency to apply from outside the United States.
As reports show, the vast majority of people who want to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the USA will have to make their applications via the US Department of State if they happen to be living outside the country. Otherwise, such people will not be allowed to change their immigration status in the country.
The USCIS spokesman Zach Koehler noted that foreigners temporarily living in the country and applying for the Green Card will have to leave the country to file their applications.
These new rules apply to a number of non-immigrant categories such as students, tourists, temporary work visa holders who currently live in the United States.
Experts say that the new policy might affect many people and complicate the process of getting the residency status considerably.
The administration, however maintains that the changes are aimed at strengthening immigration oversight and ensuring stricter compliance with federal immigration laws.
