Trump Administration Alters Green Card Application Process for Foreign Residents

Why it matters locally: California, home to nearly 10.7 million immigrants and a major hub for international students and skilled workers in tech and healthcare sectors, could face significant labor market disruption if the policy reduces access to permanent residency for workers already employed in the state.

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The Trump administration announced Friday that foreign nationals residing in the United States who wish to obtain a green card must now apply from their country of origin. This marks a departure from established procedures that previously allowed some individuals to apply for permanent residency while already present in the U.S. The change affects individuals who entered the country legally under a different visa category, such as students or temporary workers, and subsequently seek to become permanent residents. Previously, these individuals could, in some cases, adjust their status without leaving the United States. The administration did not provide explicit reasons for the policy change.