Green Card Update: How Trump Admin Change Could Impact Military Families
Summary
The U.S. government updated its green card rules, making many applicants, including some military families, return to their home countries while waiting for residency decisions. This change affects spouses and relatives of service members who often relied on staying in the U.S. during the process.Key Facts
- The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that most green card applicants must leave the U.S. and wait abroad instead of staying during their application.
- Military families, including spouses who came on visitor visas before marriage and undocumented relatives using parole in place, are especially affected.
- The policy change partially reverses previous rules allowing applicants to adjust status (apply for green card) without leaving the U.S.
- USCIS officials say the adjustment-of-status process was never meant to replace applying from abroad through an immigrant visa.
- Leaving the U.S. can trigger immigration bars for some military family members, making this new rule difficult for them.
- The Department of Homeland Security later said fewer people would be affected than first thought, but concerns remain.
- Military spouses and children usually get special green card options, such as being “immediate relatives,” which avoids long waits and visa limits.
- Immigration lawyers warn this policy could harm military readiness by straining family stability.
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