Congress Rajya Sabha member Rajiv Shukla on Saturday expressed concern over the recent change in immigration policy affecting foreign nationals applying for green cards in the US.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announcement said that foreign nationals residing in the United States on a temporary basis who want to become lawful permanent residents, known as green card holders, will need to leave the country and apply from their place of origin.
The only exception will be in “exceptional circumstances,” and USCIS officials will decide whether applicants qualify under these conditions. However, the US later rolled back certain parts of this policy, providing relief to international professionals, including Indian workers.
“The human impact will be enormous,” says Rajeev Shukla.
In a statement published on X, the Congress leader expressed his concerns about the recent shift in immigration policy adopted by the United States.
He said the decision could “cause enormous hardship” and that immigration policies affect people who have spent years building their lives and futures.
“Behind every immigration policy lie families who have built their lives with hope and sacrifice,” he wrote. “The humanitarian impact will be enormous and must not be overlooked.”
Shukla called for a review of the decision and also asked the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to protect the interests of Indian citizens living abroad.
“The US government should review this decision, as thousands across the world, including Indians, have contributed significantly to its economy and society. The Government of India should also consider and stand by the interests of its citizens abroad,” the post said.
New US immigration policy for green card applicants
The Trump administration announced Friday that most foreign citizens seeking permanent residency in the United States through a green card will now have to apply from their home countries.
According to the Washington Post, the United States issues more than 1 million green cards each year. So far, more than half of applicants were already living in the country.
USCIS spokesman Zach Kaler said requiring green card applicants to apply from their home countries “reduces the need to find and remove those who decide to slip into the shadows and remain in the United States illegally after being denied residency.”
Just hours after the policy shift was announced, USCIS appeared to soften some aspects of the change by adding two exceptions: “economic benefit” and “national interest.”
“After years of ignoring Congress’ intent to amend the status application, USCIS is only reaffirming that intent. As we work to operationalize this, people who file applications that provide an economic benefit or are in the national interest will likely be able to continue on their current path while others may be required to apply abroad depending on individual circumstances,” Kahler said in a statement, according to CBS News.
However, the two broad categories remain unspecified, and US authorities have not clarified who will qualify or receive exemptions under the revised policy.
With input from agencies
