The US Department of Homeland Security has clarified that most immigrants applying for permanent residency will not need to leave the country while their green card applications are processed. This follows confusion from a previous USCIS statement implying a stricter policy requiring applicants to return home.

• 01The DHS confirmed that there is no sweeping change in immigration rules regarding green card applications.
• 02Most applicants can remain in the US while their applications are processed, with case-by-case discretion for specific circumstances.
• 03Concerns were particularly raised among F-1 student visa holders and H-1B visa holders, although the latter are less likely to be affected.
• 04The adjustment of status process, allowing individuals to stay in the US during application processing, remains unchanged.
• 05Approximately 1.4 million green cards are issued annually, with many applications filed from within the US.

The clarification eases concerns for immigrants, particularly students and workers, about their residency status during the application process.