Washington retracts a decision that sparked controversy regarding the “Green Card”

The US administration retracted its decision announced on May 22 to oblige those seeking permanent residency (Green Card) to submit their applications in their countries, according to what the New York Times reported, after popular dissatisfaction.

The Department of Homeland Security, which is responsible for immigration issues, told the newspaper on Friday that the new procedures will not ultimately be applied to all applicants for permanent residency (Green Cards), but rather “on a case-by-case basis.”
The ministry explained that these procedures “were merely a reminder to employees to use their discretion” to require applicants to leave US territory in order to submit their applications, or not.
A ministry statement received by Agence France-Presse said that this new measure “reaffirms long-established policy and law.”
She added, “This policy will not have a significant impact on those with high qualifications and distinguished competencies who have complied with the law.”
The Ministry reiterated that “the President continues to give priority to immigration that strengthens America culturally, socially, and financially, and at the same time prevents mass immigration from third world countries that harms our country and Americans.”
There was a sudden reversal, as the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the previous week that “beginning now, an alien temporarily in the United States who wants to obtain a Green Card must return to his country to apply, except in exceptional circumstances.”
Department spokesman Zach Kaler said, “Non-immigrants, such as students, temporary workers, or those holding tourist visas, come to the United States for a short period and for a specific purpose.”
“Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over,” he added, explaining, “Their visit should not be the first step in the process of obtaining a Green Card.”
Organizations concerned with defending the rights of immigrants and law firms denounced this measure, which would create confusion among those seeking permanent residency.
Democratic Representative Chuy Garcia described the new measures as “absurd and cruel.”
He warned that it would “force thousands of regular immigrants, including spouses of American citizens, to leave their homes, families, and jobs for weeks, even months, in order to obtain permanent residency outside the United States.”
According to the Washington Post, the United States grants more than one million green cards every year, and so far more than half of the applicants are in the United States.
As part of US President Donald Trump’s widespread campaign against immigration, the asylum path has been largely closed.