Trump announces new rule requiring US residency applicants to submit from their nations of origin

The Trump administration unveiled a new policy on Friday, requiring most foreign nationals seeking a Green Card for permanent US residency to submit their applications from their countries of origin.

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US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) spokesman Zach Kahler explained that, effective immediately, temporary US visitors must return to their home countries to apply for a Green Card, unless exceptional circumstances apply.

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Kahler clarified that nonimmigrant visa holders, including students, temporary workers, and tourists, are admitted to the US for limited periods and specific purposes, and are expected to depart when their visits conclude.

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He emphasized that these temporary stays should not serve as a precursor to the Green Card application process, highlighting the importance of adhering to the intended duration and purpose of their visits.

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The US currently issues over one million Green Cards annually, with more than half of applicants historically being already present in the country, according to The Washington Post.

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By requiring applicants to submit their Green Card applications from their home countries, Kahler noted that the need to track down and remove individuals who overstay their visas after being denied residency is significantly reduced.

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Green Card applications will now be processed by the State Department at US consular offices abroad, as outlined by Kahler.

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President Donald Trump had campaigned on a promise to deport millions of undocumented migrants, and since taking office, his administration has closed several legal pathways to US residency.