A Blow to Indians Dreaming of Settling in the US: Trump Administration's New Announcement—If You Want a Green Card, You Must Do This...

In today's times, a majority of people are leaving India to head abroad. Most of these individuals are either already in the United States or aspire to go there. However, the Trump administration has now announced a new policy regarding Green Cards. Previously, individuals residing in the U.S. on a temporary visa could remain in the country while awaiting the issuance of their Green Card; under the new rules, this is no longer an option.

**Must Leave the U.S. to Apply for a Green Card**
Until now, individuals could apply for a Green Card while physically remaining in the U.S. through a process known as "Adjustment of Status." However, starting now, this will no longer be possible. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has clarified that those seeking to change their immigration status must first return to their home country and then apply through a U.S. embassy or via consular processing. This process has become significantly more complex than before.

**Difficulties Mount for 1.2 Million Indians**
According to media reports, U.S. immigration attorney Ajay Bhutoria told PTI that the new Green Card policy comes as a major blow to Indians. He stated, "Over 1.2 million law-abiding Indian-Americans are now facing significant difficulties. Under the new U.S. regulations, Green Card applicants are now required to leave the United States and re-enter on an immigrant visa."

He added, "Over the past two years, there has been a 35 to 40 percent decline in the number of students coming to the U.S. for their studies. Furthermore, individuals who traveled to India since last December for visa stamping purposes remain stranded there; the appointment dates they have been assigned are scheduled as far out as August or October."

**What is a Green Card?**
Officially known as the "Permanent Resident Card," a Green Card grants a foreign national the legal right to reside permanently in the United States. A Green Card holder is permitted to live anywhere within the U.S. This card entitles individuals to work for most companies, pursue their education, and—subject to specific regulations—travel in and out of the United States. Upon obtaining this card, an individual also becomes eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship.

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