The agency is requiring compliance with long-standing practice under U.S. law.
The Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a policy memo reiterating long-standing immigration policy. This policy directs aliens seeking an adjustment of immigration status to apply to the Department of State in their home countries.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said, “Under President Trump, USCIS is returning to the original intent of the law and reinforcing the proper distinction between temporary admission and permanent residence. Aliens who come to the United States temporarily and later seek permanent residency should pursue an immigrant visa through the proper channels in their home countries before being admitted as immigrants.”
USCIS Spokesman Zach Kahler said, “Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the U.S. for a short time and for a specific purpose. Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over. Their visit should not function as the first step in the Green Card process.”
He continued, “Following the law allows the majority of these cases to be handled by the State Department at U.S. consular offices abroad and frees up limited USCIS resources to focus on processing other cases that fall under its purview, including visas for victims of violent crime and human trafficking, naturalization applications, and other priorities. The law was written this way for a reason, and despite the fact that it has been ignored for years, following it will help make our system fairer and more efficient.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For USCIS officials as they reinstate the consular application for Green Cards under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
- For Director Edlow to lead USCIS with prudence as he enforces U.S. immigration policies.
Sources: Citizenship and Immigration Services, The Daily Caller
