The Trump administration has unveiled a major immigration policy overhaul that will force thousands of temporary visa holders to leave the United States before applying for permanent residency, marking one of the toughest crackdowns yet on legal immigration pathways.
Under the new directive announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), foreign nationals living in the US on temporary visas will no longer be allowed to transition freely to Green Card status from within the country, except under limited categories.
“An alien who is in the US temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply,” DHS stated, describing the move as an effort to restore what it called the “original intent” of America’s immigration system.
The new policy significantly narrows access to “Adjustment of Status,” a process long used by many immigrants to obtain permanent residency without leaving the US.
Fresh guidance from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) instructs immigration officers to scrutinise applications more aggressively, with visa overstays, unauthorised work, and violations of visa conditions now carrying heavier consequences during Green Card reviews.
The administration argues the policy is necessary to close “loopholes” and reduce pressure on domestic immigration backlogs, but critics say the decision could disrupt families, careers, and the lives of vulnerable migrants already living legally in the country.
Immigrant advocacy groups immediately condemned the measure, warning that forcing applicants to return to their countries could expose some individuals to danger, uncertainty, or prolonged separation from relatives.
Refugee support organisation HIAS said the rule could especially affect trafficking survivors, abused children, and other vulnerable migrants who may face risks if compelled to leave the US while their residency applications are processed.
The latest directive forms part of a broader hardline immigration agenda pursued by President Donald Trump since returning to office. Over the past year, the administration has shortened visa durations for several categories of visitors, including students, exchange programme participants, and foreign media professionals.
The State Department earlier confirmed that more than 100,000 visas had already been revoked since Trump’s return, signalling an increasingly restrictive immigration environment.
While certain visa categories that allow “dual intent” applications may still qualify for in-country residency processing, USCIS stressed that permanent residency remains a discretionary privilege, not an automatic entitlement.
The policy is expected to trigger legal and political debate as immigration advocates and affected communities assess its far-reaching implications for legal migrants seeking long-term status in the United States.
