The Trump administration's recent announcement requiring green card applicants to apply from their home countries has sparked widespread concern among immigrants and legal professionals. This policy shift, which could impact hundreds of thousands of applicants annually, is perceived as a strategy to limit legal immigration pathways. Immigration attorney Flavia Santos Lloyd noted the policy's chilling effect, causing many to reconsider their applications. Under the new guidelines, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated that only those providing an 'economic benefit' or deemed in the 'national interest' may apply from within the U.S. Legal experts suggest the policy may target individuals who have overstayed their visas while potentially exempting dual-intent visa holders. Concerns also arise for refugees and humanitarian parolees, as their pathways to green cards could become more complicated. The American Immigration Lawyers Association reported that applicants are now facing new, unexpected questions during interviews, indicating a significant shift in the immigration process. As uncertainty looms, many immigration attorneys advise clients to remain cautious and await further clarification on the policy's implications.