USCIS policy shift leaves 700,000 green card applicants in limbo

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has implemented a policy shift that has left approximately 700,000 green card applicants in a state of uncertainty. The change affects individuals who were in the process of adjusting their status to become lawful permanent residents.

The new policy alters how USCIS calculates eligibility for green cards, particularly for applicants who have been in the United States for extended periods. Under the previous rules, many applicants could adjust their status without leaving the country. The revised interpretation now requires some to depart and undergo consular processing, which can lead to lengthy delays or bars on reentry.

The shift primarily impacts applicants who entered the U.S. legally but later fell out of status, as well as those who accrued unlawful presence. Advocacy groups have criticized the move, arguing it upends long-standing practices and creates hardship for families and workers who have established lives in the country.

USCIS has not provided a timeline for resolving the backlog or further guidance on how affected applicants should proceed. The agency stated the change aligns with federal immigration law, but did not comment on the number of cases impacted. Legal challenges are expected as affected individuals seek relief through the courts.