US Green Card Rule Change Adds New Hurdles for Indian Immigrants

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services announced adjustments to the green‑card process that may require certain applicants, including many Indian H‑1B visa holders, to complete their permanent‑residence paperwork at a U.S. consulate abroad rather than remaining in the country. The shift aims to align applicants’ intentions with the rule that temporary entrants should not seek immediate permanent status, though officials say it is a procedural tweak rather than a new law.

Experts warn that the change could lengthen processing times and add uncertainty for Indian professionals who already face long backlogs in employment‑based green‑card categories. Data from the Department of Homeland Security shows India received about 78,000 green cards in 2023, ranking second among nations with the highest issuances. Analysts suggest the new rule could affect the overall distribution of green cards among the top ten source countries, which includes Mexico, Cuba, and the Philippines, by imposing additional consular steps for applicants worldwide.

Immigration advisers recommend that affected individuals gather documentation and monitor official guidance while awaiting further clarification.