US Clarifies Green Card Rules Amid Confusion Over Stay Requirements

The United States has clarified its stance on Green Card regulations, stating that applicants are not required to leave the country while their permanent residency applications are being processed. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that immigration officers will decide whether applicants must stay in the US or travel abroad during the process.

The clarification comes after confusion caused by a previous US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announcement suggesting some temporary migrants might need to leave the country to complete their applications. DHS stated that this is not a major policy change but a reminder of existing discretionary powers. While applicants may remain in the US during processing, concerns related to visa overstays and immigration violations will still be considered, leaving some ambiguity on specific conditions requiring departure.