The Trump administration announced a sweeping new policy on Friday designed to make it harder for immigrants already in the United States to obtain permanent residency.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated that foreigners with temporary visas seeking to adjust their immigration status to secure green cards must now do so from outside the country via the State Department. This requirement for consular processing marks a major change from current practice, requiring applicants to return to their home countries.
In a policy memo, USCIS directed officers to consider relevant factors and information on a case-by-case basis when determining whether extraordinary relief is warranted.
The move has been criticized by aid groups, policy analysts, and immigration attorneys. This announcement is the latest significant step by the administration to make legal immigration more difficult for foreigners already in the U.S. and for those hoping to come here.