The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has clarified that most immigrants applying for Green Cards do not need to leave the United States while their applications are being processed. The clarification comes after confusion caused by a recent USCIS announcement that appeared to suggest applicants might have to return to their home countries unless they qualified for rare exceptions.
DHS stated that there has been no major change to the Green Card process. Immigration officers have always had the authority to decide, on a case-by-case basis, whether an applicant should complete the process from outside the U.S. The recent guidance was meant only to remind officers of this existing authority, not to introduce a new rule.
Officials emphasized that the vast majority of Green Card applicants will continue to be allowed to remain in the United States while their cases are under review. While factors such as visa overstays and other immigration issues may affect individual cases, DHS has not specified which applicants could be required to complete the process abroad. The clarification has eased concerns among immigrants and advocates, confirming that most applicants can stay in the U.S. during the Green Card review process.
