The United States has introduced a new immigration policy requiring most people seeking green cards to apply from outside the country.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the policy on Friday. The agency said immigrants seeking permanent residency must now complete the process through a US embassy or consulate abroad.
Officials said only applicants facing “extraordinary circumstances” would qualify to remain in the US during the process.
The move forms part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration crackdown.
The new rule ends a system that allowed some visa holders and visitors to apply for a green card while staying in the US.
Previously, people on tourist visas, student visas or temporary work permits could seek a change in status without leaving the country.
USCIS said the old process encouraged some people to remain in the country illegally after authorities denied their applications.
“When aliens apply from their home country, it reduces the need to find and remove those who decide to slip into the shadows,” the agency said.
The Department of Homeland Security also defended the change in a post on X, saying: “The era of abusing our nation’s immigration system is over.”
Critics say the policy could separate families for long periods because green card applications often take months or years to complete.
Some immigrants who leave the US may also face difficulties returning if officials reject their applications.
A USCIS spokesperson told the BBC that applicants who provide economic benefits or serve the national interest could still continue under the current process.
“Others may be asked to apply abroad depending on individualised circumstances,” the spokesperson said.
It remains unclear whether pending applications will face changes under the new rule.
Former USCIS official Michael Valverde said the policy could disrupt many families and businesses.
“This is a largely unprecedented move that will limit lawful immigration to the US greatly,” he told CBS, the BBC’s US partner.
“People who followed the rules faithfully now face tremendous uncertainty.”
USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler defended the decision. He said temporary visits to the US “should not function as the first step in the green card process”.
Getting a green card already involves a long process that can take several years.
According to the Cato Institute, more than one million legal immigrants are currently waiting for approval on adjustment-of-status applications.
The Trump administration has also introduced other immigration restrictions in recent months.
Officials have imposed bans or limits on citizens from nearly 40 countries. Another policy has paused immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries.
The US State Department warns that people who overstay visas may face deportation, future visa bans and re-entry restrictions lasting up to 10 years.
