US signals possible relief for some green card applicants, including Indians
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The United States has indicated that certain Green Card applicants, including some Indian professionals, may receive exemptions under proposed immigration rule changes if their applications are considered beneficial to the US economy or national interest.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesperson Zach Kahler said applicants providing economic or national interest value would likely be allowed to continue under the existing process.
“People who present applications that provide an economic benefit or otherwise are in the national interest will likely be able to continue on their current path, while others may be asked to apply abroad depending on individualised circumstances,” Kahler said.
The clarification follows proposed changes by the Donald Trump administration that could require many migrants seeking permanent residency to return to their home countries to complete the Green Card process.
The proposed policy shift had raised concerns among Indian professionals in the US, particularly H-1B visa holders facing long waiting periods for employment-based Green Cards. Applicants in EB-2 and EB-3 categories often face delays of 10 to 15 years or more.
Under the previous system, many applicants were allowed to remain in the United States while their Adjustment of Status applications were processed. The proposed changes suggested that such adjustments would become an “extraordinary form of relief”, increasing reliance on consular processing abroad.
Kahler’s remarks suggest exemptions could still be available for applicants deemed economically important or aligned with US national interests.
Updated guidance issued by USCIS states that officials will interpret Section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act more strictly, with greater emphasis on applicants completing the transition from temporary visa status to permanent residency outside the United States.
The US Department of Homeland Security also defended the policy direction in a post on X, stating that temporary visa holders seeking Green Cards should generally return to their home countries to apply.