On May 22, 2023, the US government announced a significant policy change affecting foreign nationals on temporary visas who wish to obtain permanent residency. Under the new guidelines from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), individuals seeking a Green Card must now return to their home country to apply, except in 'extraordinary circumstances.' This policy aims to reinforce the original intent of immigration law, which mandates that non-immigrant visa holders, including students, tourists, and temporary workers, undergo consular processing abroad through the US Department of State. USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler stated that this shift would help reduce the number of individuals who remain in the US illegally after being denied residency and would alleviate administrative burdens on the agency. By directing most applications to consular offices abroad, USCIS can concentrate on other priorities, such as humanitarian cases and naturalization applications. This policy change reflects a broader effort to ensure compliance with immigration laws and streamline the immigration process.