The United States government has announced an overhaul of America's green card application process, a move that is expected to negatively impact thousands of foreigners.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Under the new rule, individuals applying for green cards while already living in the U.S. will now be required to leave the country first and complete their applications from their home countries.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said that people seeking a change in status must do so through consular processing outside of the country, except in extraordinary circumstances.

The announcement, made on Friday, May 22, is expected to s ignificantly affect thousands of immigrants, including Kenyans seeking permanent residency in the U.S.

📌 What You Need to Know

According to USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler, the new rule is intended to strengthen immigration enforcement and reduce cases of individuals overstaying after failed applications.

"When aliens apply from their home country, it reduces the need to find and remove those who decide to slip into the shadows and remain in the US unlawfully after being denied residency," said Kahler.

"From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a green card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances," he added.

Previously, immigrants residing in the U.S. could apply without leaving the country , but with the new directive, applicants must return to their countries of origin and apply, a process that could take months or even years.

The latest move is part of a broader crackdown on immigration under the President Donald Trump administration, which has increasingly targeted both unlawful and legal immigration.

In recent months, his administration has moved to reduce asylum claims, end temporary protected status for several countries, restrict refugee admissions and tighten rules surrounding student and work visas.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke