Most Immigrants May Not Need to Leave the US for Green Card Approval: DHS Clarifies Policy

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has clarified that most immigrants applying for a Green Card will not automatically be required to leave the United States during the application process. The clarification comes after confusion and concern followed a recent announcement by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Last week, USCIS stated that Green Card applicants waiting inside the United States might need to return to their home countries unless they qualified for special exemptions. The announcement created widespread panic among immigrants, employers, and immigration lawyers across the country. However, DHS has now explained that there has been no major policy change. According to the department, decisions on whether an applicant must leave the United States will continue to be made on a case-by-case basis by immigration officers. Immigration experts believe the clarification partially reverses the earlier announcement, which had raised fears among family-sponsored immigrants, H-1B visa holders, and skilled foreign workers already living and working in the United States.

Lawyers have warned that forcing applicants to leave the country during the Green Card process could create major complications, including long visa interview delays and possible re-entry restrictions for individuals with expired visas. Business organizations and technology companies have also expressed concerns, saying such uncertainty could negatively impact the US workforce and discourage global talent from moving to America. According to official data, around 1.4 million Green Cards were issued in 2024, with more than 820,000 approved through the “Adjustment of Status” process, which allows eligible immigrants to apply for permanent residency while staying in the United States. Immigration attorneys are now advising applicants to closely monitor future USCIS and DHS updates as the situation continues to develop.