Foreigners in the US who want a green card must now leave the country and apply from their home country, according to an announcement from the Trump administration on Friday.
For over a half century, immigrants with legal status have been able to apply for and complete the process for permanent residency from within the United States.
This includes individuals married to US citizens, holders of work and student visas, and refugees and political asylum seekers, among others.
On Friday, US Citizenship and Immigration Services said those who are in the country temporarily must now leave, return home, and apply from their home country. USCIS agents would decide if there are any foreigners who would qualify for “extraordinary circumstances” to circumvent the new rules.
The agency responded to the Associated Press by email, saying those who provide “economic benefit” or “national interest” may be exempted from the new rules.
The USCIS has not clarified when the change comes into effect, whether immigrants would be required to stay in their home country throughout the entire process, or whether it affects those whose applications are already underway.