Amidst apprehensions regarding green card rules, the US government has issued a major clarification. An announcement issued last week sent the message that most immigrants applying for permanent residence (green cards) may have to leave the US and return to their country until the process is completed. However, now the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has clarified that there has been no major change in the policy and most applicants will continue to be allowed to stay in the US during the green card process.

What was the dispute?
The controversy started with the recent announcement of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This announcement created a perception that people applying for a green card would normally have to leave the US and wait in their home country and would only be allowed to stay in the US in ‘exceptional’ circumstances. This announcement raised concerns among migrant communities and organizations working for immigration rights.

What did DHS say?
On Friday, DHS clarified that no broad policy changes have been made regarding the green card process. According to the department, immigration officials already have the authority to evaluate each case on an individual basis and decide whether an applicant should be allowed to complete the process within the US or from abroad. A DHS spokesperson said the recent guidance was issued only to remind officials of their existing powers, not to impose any new rules on all applicants.

Most applicants will not be affected
The department stressed that most people seeking permanent residence will continue to be allowed to remain in the United States while their green card applications are reviewed. This means that a large number of applicants will not need to leave the country. However, officials have indicated that certain special circumstances, such as overstaying a visa or other immigration violations, may affect the decision in individual cases.

still many questions remain
Although DHS’s clarification largely clarifies the situation, the government has not yet detailed under what circumstances a person may be asked to leave the US during the green card process. This is why immigration experts are still demanding more clear guidelines.

What did the White House say?
According to the report, a senior White House official has described this entire matter as a routine administrative process. The official says that this does not indicate any major strategic change in US immigration policy, but is a step to reiterate the already existing rights and procedures.

What is the situation at present?
At present, the message from DHS is clear that most immigrants applying for a green card will continue to be allowed to stay in the US until the application process is completed. Although in some cases a different decision may be taken based on the discretion of the authorities, but this will not be a new or universal rule.

Relief for the people of India
This decision will provide great relief to Indians living in America. Earlier there was a fear that people applying for green cards might have to leave America and go back to their country until they get approval. But now it has become clear that most people will not have to do this. This means that Indians will be able to work, continue their children’s education and live in America with their families while waiting for the green card. This is especially good news for those Indians who take many years to get a green card.