Trump's Push for Green Card Applicants to Leave U.S. Draws Concern From Business Leaders 

Former President Donald Trump's proposal that some green card applicants return to their home countries during the immigration process has drawn concern from business leaders. CEOs and industry groups warned that such measures could disrupt workforce planning, create talent shortages, and make it harder for U.S. companies to attract and retain skilled international professionals. Business executives argue that immigration policies should balance security and economic competitiveness while supporting the nation's labor market needs. 

WASHINGTON — Business leaders across the United States privately urged the Trump administration to reconsider a proposed policy that could require many green card applicants to leave the country and complete the process from their home nations, warning that the move could disrupt workforces and create uncertainty for employers.

The concerns emerged after U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on May 22 that applicants seeking permanent residency should generally apply from their home countries “except in extraordinary circumstances.” The agency did not specify who would be affected, leaving hundreds of thousands of immigrants and employers uncertain about the policy’s scope.

According to a Washington Post report, executives, industry groups, and business organizations engaged in private discussions with the White House and senior officials at the Departments of Homeland Security, Labor, and State following the announcement. The technology sector and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce were among those that raised concerns.

In recent days, administration officials have sought to reassure employers that most workers on employment-based visas would not be affected. USCIS officials told reporters that the majority of foreign nationals seeking permanent residency would likely be able to remain in the United States during the process, though no formal guidance has been issued.

The debate highlights a longstanding tension within Trump’s immigration agenda. While business groups rely heavily on skilled immigrant labor, many of the president’s political supporters have pushed for stricter immigration enforcement and tighter controls on legal immigration pathways.

The administration has previously adjusted immigration-related measures following pressure from employers. Last year, officials paused enforcement actions targeting hospitality and agricultural businesses after industry backlash and later clarified that a proposed $100,000 fee on H-1B visas would apply only to new applicants.

Business leaders have spent months lobbying administration officials through industry-friendly allies, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, while maintaining direct communication with White House policymakers, according to the report.

Immigration attorneys told The Washington Post that implementation of the stricter green card policy appears to have been paused while federal agencies determine how it would be enforced.

Neil Bradley, chief policy officer for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said the organization had received reports indicating that some recent applicants were not being required to leave the country.

“This is welcome news, and we encourage the administration to provide greater clarity,” Bradley said.

A White House official told the newspaper that the policy largely reflects existing immigration law and is not expected to significantly affect skilled workers who follow legal procedures. Officials said immigration officers would retain discretion to determine whether applicants must leave the United States to complete the process.

USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler previously said the policy could help reduce the number of applicants who remain in the country after being denied residency and would allow the agency to focus resources on other immigration priorities, including humanitarian cases and naturalization applications.

For now, businesses and immigration advocates continue to await formal guidance from the administration, as uncertainty surrounding the proposed changes persists.

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Source: NDTV