The United States has directed Nigerians and other foreign nationals seeking green cards to return to their home countries to complete the application process, except in extraordinary circumstances.
The directive, issued on Friday, was announced by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services as part of a broader immigration policy shift under President Donald Trump.
According to the agency, the new rule is aimed at restoring what it described as the “original intent” of US immigration law.
USCIS said applicants seeking adjustment of status must now process their residency applications through US consular offices abroad under the supervision of the US Department of State.
The agency stated, “We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly. From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances.”
