The United States on Friday directed that Nigerians and other nationals applying for green cards return to their home countries to apply for the process.
A press statement issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency said that the policy was aimed at restoring what it described as the “original intent” of US immigration law.
USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler said the policy would help reduce the number of migrants remaining illegally in the country after unsuccessful residency applications.
The statement noted that, except in extraordinary circumstances, foreigners seeking adjustment of status would now be required to process their residency applications through US consular offices abroad under the supervision of the United States 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.”
“This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivising loopholes. When aliens apply from their home country, it reduces the need to find and remove those who decide to slip into the shadows and remain in the U.S. illegally after being denied residency,” Kahler said.
