Why Trump Is Forcing Green Card Applicants to Leave the US First: New Immigration Policy Explained

The Trump administration has announced a major shift in US immigration policy that could force many immigrants already living in the country to *leave the United States* before applying for permanent residency. Under the new rules from the **US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)**, the longstanding practice of applying for a green card from within the US — known as “adjustment of status” — will now be limited to only *extraordinary circumstances*. Most temporary visa holders, including students, workers and visitors, will have to return to their home countries and apply through US consulates abroad for permanent residency. The policy is part of a broader effort to tighten both legal and undocumented immigration pathways, and has drawn significant criticism for potentially disrupting lives, separating families, and complicating long‑term plans for immigrants living in the US. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}