Green card rules: US says most immigrants can remain while awaiting approval

Washington: The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has moved to calm panic after a recent notice suggested many immigrants would be forced to wait for green cards in their home countries. On Friday, officials clarified that most people seeking permanent residency can stay in the US while their applications are processed.

A 'housekeeping' mix-up

Last week, a notice from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) caused widespread alarm. It suggested that only "extraordinary" cases would be allowed to remain in the country while waiting for approval. Immigrants and employers feared major disruption to the existing system.

However, DHS now claims there has been no "blanket change" in policy. Instead, it says the announcement was a "reminder" that immigration officers have the power to decide cases individually. This is a right they have always held. White House officials described the situation as a "housekeeping" matter rather than a new strategy.

Yet lawyers report that some applicants are already being grilled during interviews. They are being asked why they did not apply from their home countries instead.

High stakes for families and firms

The impact is significant. In 2024, the US granted roughly 1.4 million green cards. More than 800,000 people used a process that allows them to live in the US while waiting for approval. Experts warned that forcing people to leave could trigger 10-year bans for those who had previously overstayed their visas.

While most are safe for now, the government may still target specific groups. Those who overstayed visas or come from countries with high welfare usage could face additional checks. For now, the vast majority of applicants can breathe a sigh of relief, though uncertainty remains over how officers will use their discretion in the future.