Trump Administration Alters Green Card Application Process for Foreign Residents

Why it matters locally: New Jersey, home to significant immigrant populations and major employment sectors reliant on foreign workers including healthcare, technology, and pharmaceuticals, may see operational impacts as employers adjust to the new green card requirements.

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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.