Exclusive: Trump Admin Closes Loophole Letting Migrants Stay in US While Awaiting Green Cards

The Trump administration is moving to close what it describes as a loophole that allows migrants to remain in the United States while awaiting permanent residency.

On Friday, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced new guidance directing immigration officers to treat the transition from temporary nonimmigrant status to permanent immigrant status under Section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act as a process that should generally take place outside the United States, according to a document obtained by the Daily Caller.

Under the guidance, individuals seeking lawful permanent residency would typically be required to return to their home country, complete screening procedures and obtain an immigrant visa through the U.S. Department of State before reentering the U.S. as immigrants.

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow emphasized the Trump administration is reinforcing the distinction between temporary entry and permanent residence in a statement to the Caller.

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The document further states that individuals should only be allowed to remain in the United States and complete the adjustment of status process domestically in “extraordinary circumstances,” with vetting conducted by USCIS officers rather than through the standard immigrant visa process abroad.

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