Do Immigrants Need To Leave The US To Obtain Green Cards? US Department Of Homeland Security Clarifies 'Case To Case Basis'

The US Department of Homeland Security has clarified green card rules after confusion over a USCIS memo, saying most immigrants can remain in America while permanent residency applications are reviewed. (Credit: Magnific)

For thousands of immigrants already navigating America's lengthy and often stressful green card system, last week's policy announcement felt like a sudden jolt. A new memo from US Citizenship and Immigration Services appeared to suggest many applicants would need to leave the United States and wait abroad while permanent residency requests were reviewed.

Families worried about being separated, immigration lawyers warned of legal confusion and businesses began asking what it could mean for workers already living legally in the country.