Getting a Green Card in the USA Will Become More Difficult: Foreigners Must Leave the Country for This
The administration of US President Donald Trump announced new rules for foreigners who are in the country on temporary visas and want to obtain a green card — permission for permanent residence in the USA.
Now such people will have to return to their home country to apply for permanent status. Previously, many could obtain a green card without leaving the USA. This was reported by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Who might be affected
This concerns people who are in the USA on student, tourist, or work visas. According to experts, the new rules may affect more than 1 million people.
USCIS stated that temporary visas should not become a "first step" toward permanent residence.
According to agency representatives, people come to the USA for a certain period and must leave the country after their visa expires.
Why the new rules have caused criticism
Immigration lawyers and human rights advocates said the changes could create serious problems for hundreds of thousands of people who have already lived in the USA for years, work, rent housing, and have families.
In fact, many will have to leave their jobs and families and leave the USA for several weeks or even months while their documents are being processed.
Lawyers also emphasize that the ability to apply for a green card inside the USA was previously a legal procedure, not a "loophole," as the authorities now claim.
There is a risk of a re-entry ban
Human rights advocates warn that some people after leaving the USA may face a ban on re-entry for 3 or even 10 years.
It is also unclear how the new rules will work for citizens of countries for which the Trump administration has already imposed restrictions or frozen visa issuance.
Lawsuits are expected
Lawyers have already stated that the new rules will likely be challenged in courts. In their opinion, the decision may contradict current US immigration law.
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