Green Card Data Sheds Light on How DHS Change Could Impact Immigrants
Summary
More than half of new green cards in recent years were given to immigrants already living in the United States. A new policy from President Donald Trump’s administration may require more green card applicants to return to their home countries for processing, which could change how many people get their green cards inside the U.S.Key Facts
- In fiscal year 2024, about 1.36 million green cards were issued in total.
- Around 58% of these green cards went to immigrants already living in the U.S., often family members of U.S. citizens or work visa holders.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) gave U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) more power to require applicants to get green cards through consular processing abroad.
- This change could affect hundreds of thousands of people who usually adjust their status while inside the U.S.
- There is confusion among lawyers and applicants because DHS has not clearly explained how the new policy will work in practice.
- USCIS officers have varied in how they handle applications, causing uncertainty for immigrants and their lawyers.
- Asylum seekers and refugees almost always receive green cards without leaving the U.S., while family-sponsored and diversity lottery immigrants mostly get theirs outside the U.S.
- The policy shift mainly impacts people on work visas and immediate relatives of U.S. citizens.
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