Trump Administration's Green Card Policy Change Could Force Skilled Immigrants to Leave U.S.
The Trump administration has announced a significant change to the green card process, requiring U.S. visa holders to return to their home countries to apply for permanent residency, except in extraordinary circumstances. This policy, outlined in a memo from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), could potentially impact hundreds of thousands of legal immigrants, including skilled professionals in sectors like healthcare and technology. Historically, the 'adjustment of status' process allowed visa holders to remain in the U.S. while their green card applications were processed, a procedure that could take over a decade due to U.S. immigration law complexities. The new rule is seen as a victory for MAGA nativists over the tech industry, which relies heavily on global talent.