Trump Administration Shifts Green Card Application Process for Visa Holders

Why it matters locally: The policy change may affect District of Columbia's immigrant workforce and international organizations headquartered in the nation's capital, particularly those employing temporary visa holders in federal contracting, nonprofit, and professional services sectors.

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The Trump administration announced Friday that individuals holding temporary visas must return to their country of origin to apply for green cards. Officials said this requirement applies to those seeking to adjust their immigration status for permanent residency. The previous process permitted some non-immigrant visa holders to apply for green cards while remaining in the United States. The new policy mandates that these individuals pursue their applications through consular processing in their home countries. This involves applying at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Details of the policy implementation and effective date were not immediately available.