Green card

Green cards, officially known as Lawful Permanent Resident Cards, grant foreign nationals the right to live and work permanently in the United States. They are a crucial step for many individuals seeking to immigrate and establish long-term lives in the US. Recent news highlights a significant policy shift by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that is causing concern. Previously, many individuals already in the US could apply for a "green card" through an "adjustment of status" process without leaving the country. However, a new policy memo directs USCIS officers to generally require prospective immigrants to apply for their green cards from outside the United States, through the Department of State. This change could force many, particularly Asian workers already facing lengthy visa backlogs, to return to their home countries to complete the application process. This disruption is criticized by various groups for potentially impacting families, careers, and settlement plans, making the green card application process more complex and uncertain for those affected.