United States President Donald Trump has directed that Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking green cards must now return to their home countries to process their applications except under extraordinary circumstances.
The new immigration policy was disclosed on Friday in a statement issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
New Green Card Rule Announced
According to the agency, the policy is aimed at restoring what it described as the original intent of American immigration law.
USCIS stated that foreign nationals seeking adjustment of status would now be required to complete their residency application process through US consular offices abroad under the supervision of the United States Department of State.
“We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly,” the statement said.
“From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances.”
Students, Tourists, Workers Affected
The agency explained that the new directive would mainly affect temporary visa holders including students, tourists and workers already living in the United States.
According to USCIS, nonimmigrant visas were designed for temporary stays and should not automatically become a pathway to permanent residency.
“Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the U.S. for a short time and for a specific purpose. Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over,” the statement added.
US Gives Reason for Policy Change
USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler said the policy would help reduce cases of migrants remaining illegally in the United States after failed residency applications.
“This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivising loopholes,” Kahler stated.
The agency also argued that the move would allow immigration officials to focus on other priorities including citizenship applications, trafficking cases and requests involving victims of violent crimes.
Fresh Immigration Crackdown
The latest development comes months after the Trump administration reportedly suspended green card and citizenship processing for Nigerians and nationals from several countries affected by a US travel ban.
Reports had indicated that the suspension affected legal immigrants already residing in the United States who were seeking permanent residency or citizenship.
The administration also froze immigration petitions from nationals of 19 countries covered under the travel restrictions announced in June.