USCIS Announces New Green Card Policy

WASHINGTON — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shared a new rule today. People who are in the U.S. and want a Green Card must now return to their home country to apply. They must apply through a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country. Only special cases will be allowed to apply from inside the U.S.

USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler said: "We are following the original law. If you are in the U.S. for a short time and want a Green Card, you must go home to apply. This is how the law was written. When people apply from their home country, fewer people stay in the U.S. illegally after being denied."

He added: "Students, temporary workers, and tourists come to the U.S. for a short time and a clear reason. They should leave when their visit ends. Their visit is not the first step to a Green Card. This new rule helps USCIS focus on other important work, like helping crime victims, trafficking victims, and people becoming U.S. citizens. The law is fair, and now we will follow it."