The Trump administration has issued new guidance that could make it harder for many immigrants already living legally in the United States to obtain green cards without leaving the country first, creating uncertainty for families, workers and employers as immigration lawyers scramble to interpret how broadly the policy will be enforced.
For decades, many immigrants physically present in the U.S. have been able to apply for permanent residency through a process known as "adjustment of status," which allows applicants to complete the green card process without returning to their home countries. That system applies to a wide range of people, including spouses of U.S. citizens, workers on temporary visas, refugees and asylum recipients.
