US Congress sharply denounces Trump administration's green‑card overhaul

Democratic Congressman Ami Bera warned that the Trump administration’s new green‑card rule, which forces applicants to return to their home countries to complete processing, will harm families, workers and the U.S. economy. The policy, defended by USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler as a return to the law’s “original purpose,” limits exceptions to “exceptional circumstances” and could compel many H‑1B visa holders, international students and skilled immigrants to leave the country before obtaining permanent residency.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Asian Pacific American Caucus chair Grace Meng, called the change “reckless” and pledged to fight it in Congress and the courts. Immigration advocates cited estimates that up to 1.2 million Indian‑origin residents could be affected, and warned that the rule could drive talent abroad, undermining U.S. competitiveness. Critics urged legal challenges to halt implementation.

The controversy highlights deep partisan divisions over immigration reform and raises questions about how the new rule will be applied to existing visa categories.