The Trump administration has introduced major changes to the Green Card process in the United States. These new rules could impact millions of foreign nationals currently living in the country on temporary visas.
Earlier, many people were able to apply for a Green Card while staying in the US. But under the new policy, this process has been significantly restricted.
According to the updated rules, people who enter the US on temporary visas such as tourist, student, or work visas may now need to leave the country and apply for a Green Card from their home country.
This marks a major shift in a system that has been followed for nearly five decades. It has raised concerns among immigrants, especially those who were planning to adjust their status while living in the US.
Who Will Be Affected by the New Rule?
The new Green Card rules mainly affect people living in the US on temporary visas.
This includes:
F-1 student visa holders
H-1B and L-1 work visa holders
B1/B2 tourist visa holders
Earlier, these visa holders could apply for a Green Card without leaving the United States through a process called “adjustment of status.” That option is now expected to be limited under the new rules.
However, some exceptions may still apply. For example, individuals married to US citizens or those facing special humanitarian situations could be treated differently. But the exact details of these exemptions are still not fully clear.
Why Has the Rule Been Changed?
US immigration authorities say the goal of this change is to make the system stricter and more transparent.
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the new rule is intended to:
Prevent misuse of temporary visas
Reduce cases of people staying in the US illegally after visa rejection
Ease the administrative burden on immigration offices
Officials also believe that applicants should follow the original purpose of their visa—whether it is study, work, or tourism—rather than using it as a path to permanent residency.
The government says this change will help focus resources on serious cases such as human trafficking and other urgent immigration issues.