The Donald Trump administration is tightening immigration rules again. This time, it's targeting green card seekers. Under new guidance issued Friday, many foreign nationals who are in the U.S. on temporary visas will have to leave the country and complete the application process from their home countries.

What Changed?

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the change in a policy memo. It directs officers to review requests for exceptions on a case-by-case basis. But the default is clear: temporary visa holders seeking lawful permanent residency will generally have to return to their countries of origin and apply through U.S. embassies or consulates overseen by the State Department. No more adjusting status while staying in the U.S.

"From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances," USCIS Spokesman Zach Kahler said in a statement.

The agency added that the policy would help the immigration system "function as the law intended instead of incentivizing loopholes" and allow USCIS to focus resources on processing other applications.

Critics Sound the Alarm

Immigration and refugee aid organizations sharply criticized the move, arguing it could place vulnerable migrants in danger. HIAS, a nonprofit that supports refugees and other immigrants, said the policy could force survivors of trafficking, abused individuals, and neglected children to return to countries they previously fled.

Critics also warned that requiring applicants to leave the U.S. may create lengthy delays, increase uncertainty for families, and expose some migrants to unsafe conditions abroad.

Part of a Bigger Picture

The latest policy is another step in Trump's broader immigration crackdown. Over the past year, the administration has shortened visa durations for certain students, exchange visitors, and members of the media. Earlier this year, the State Department also said it had revoked more than 100,000 visas since Trump returned to office.