DHS explained that this is not a new policy but a reminder that immigration officers have always had the discretion to decide on a case-by-case basis whether an applicant should complete the process inside or outside the country. Most people seeking permanent residency can expect to stay in the US during this time.
Some individual factors, like visa overstays or other immigration issues, might influence these decisions, but detailed guidelines on who might be affected have not been provided. The initial announcement had caused confusion, even among officials, leading to fears in immigrant communities.
A senior White House official described the DHS clarification as a routine administrative update rather than a major change in immigration policy. While questions remain about the specific circumstances under which applicants might be asked to leave, DHS has made it clear that the majority of immigrants applying for green cards will be allowed to remain in the United States throughout the process.
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