The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on Friday a new policy that will require foreign nationals to depart the United States to return to their country in order to apply for green card in the country through the State Department.
This is the latest ruling of Trump’s administration’s crackdown on immigration, and has been condemned by refugee and migrant groups.
USCIS told immigration officials in a policy memo to consider requests for exceptional relief on a case-by-case basis, but also noted that those who are lawfully staying in the United States will still have to return to their home countries for the completion of green card applications.
The US Department of Homeland Security said the regulation is designed to ensure that the immigration process “operates in a manner that is consistent with the intent of the law.”
Authorities said the policy should enable USCIS to focus its resources on other cases of immigration.
But aid groups expressed concerns that the move could put vulnerable migrants in danger.
The policy, according to HIAS, a refugee aid group, could result in deportation of trafficked people, abused children, and other vulnerable migrants who were forced to leave their countries of origin after experiencing violence or persecution.
Now such people will have to go back to their countries to apply for green card.
Advocacy groups also worry that the mandate could put applicants at additional risk and could pose a significant barrier to those who already reside in the United States.
The new adjustment comes after a series of immigration measures were enacted during Trump’s tenure.
The administration this past year has reduced the length of visas for students, cultural exchange guests and foreign journalists.
The State Department also earlier this year announced that over 100,000 visas had been revoked since Trump took office, which reflects the Trump administration’s ongoing work to more stringently enforce immigration restrictions.
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