Not all immigrants will have to leave US to seek green cards: Report

Business To Business, New York, 31^st May, 2026:  The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has clarified that not all immigrants seeking permanent residency (green cards) will be required to return to their home countries while their applications are being processed.
The clarification came after an earlier announcement by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) led to concerns that applicants for permanent residency would have to leave the United States and wait in their home countries for their green cards.
In a statement quoted by The New York Times, a DHS spokesperson said:
"This was just a reminder to officers of their discretionary authority, which has always existed on a case-by-case basis."
The clarification suggests that the earlier guidance was not intended to create a blanket requirement for all applicants. Instead, immigration officers retain discretion to determine, on an individual basis, whether an applicant may need to complete part of the process outside the United States.
Why the clarification matters
The issue is particularly important for:

• Employment-based visa holders seeking permanent residency.
• Family-sponsored green card applicants.
• International students and professionals transitioning to permanent resident status.
• Individuals already living and working legally in the United States.