Amanze Chinonye
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a major tightening of America’s green card process, a move that could affect thousands of Nigerians and other immigrants already living and working in the United States on temporary visas.
Under the new policy unveiled by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), many immigrants currently residing in the country will no longer be routinely allowed to apply for permanent residency through “adjustment of status,” the long-standing process that permits eligible applicants to obtain green cards without leaving the U.S.
Instead, most applicants may now be required to return to their home countries and complete the process through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
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However, the Trump administration indicated that exceptions could be granted to immigrants considered economically beneficial to the United States or those deemed to serve the national interest.
“While we work to operationalize this, 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 individualized circumstances,” USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler said.
The statement has created uncertainty for thousands of foreign professionals, including Nigerians employed in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, information technology, education and research.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees USCIS, defended the policy as a restoration of congressional intent behind U.S. immigration laws.
“An alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply,” DHS said in a statement announcing the policy shift.
USCIS said adjustment of status would now be granted “only in extraordinary circumstances,” with immigration officers directed to evaluate requests on a case-by-case basis.
The agency added that consular processing abroad would become the preferred route for many green card applicants.
The decision marks one of the most significant immigration policy changes introduced by the Trump administration since returning to office and is expected to have wide-ranging implications for immigrants already living legally in the United States.
Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups warned that the new approach could disrupt families, employers and foreign workers who have long depended on adjustment of status to remain in the U.S. while awaiting permanent residency decisions.
Critics argue that forcing applicants to leave the country for overseas processing could expose them to prolonged delays, visa denials, renewed security screenings and family separation, especially for individuals whose temporary visas may expire during the process.
The policy could particularly affect mixed-status families, international students transitioning to employment visas, and highly skilled workers already embedded in the American workforce.
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According to immigration analysts at the Cato Institute, more than one million immigrants in the United States are currently waiting for green cards, raising concerns about how pending applications may be handled under the new framework.
Advocacy organisations also expressed fears that vulnerable migrants, including trafficking survivors and abused children seeking legal protection, could be compelled to return to unsafe environments while pursuing lawful permanent residency.
The latest measure adds to a series of immigration crackdowns introduced under Trump’s second administration, including tighter vetting procedures, mass visa revocations, restrictions on international students and increased scrutiny of temporary visa holders.
Earlier this year, the U.S. State Department disclosed that more than 100,000 visas had been revoked since Trump returned to office, while immigration enforcement actions have intensified across multiple visa categories.
For Nigerians in America, the policy shift may create fresh uncertainty at a time when visa processing delays, stricter screening procedures and expanded immigration restrictions are already affecting applicants from several African countries.
Despite the administration’s assurance that economically valuable immigrants may still qualify for domestic processing, immigration experts say uncertainty remains over how the government will define “economic benefit” or “national interest,” and who may ultimately qualify for exemptions.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
