US Chamber and Tech Giants Force USCIS to Retreat on Green Card Home-Country Rule

A proposed immigration policy by the Trump administration has created uncertainty among Indian professionals in the United States, particularly those on H-1B visas awaiting permanent residency. The proposal, announced on May 21, suggested that most applicants seeking green cards would be required to complete the application process from their home countries unless they qualified under "extraordinary circumstances." The move raised concerns among immigrant communities and employers who feared significant disruptions to the existing employment-based immigration system.

The proposal carried particular significance for Indian nationals, who make up a substantial portion of the employment-based green card backlog. Reports indicate that nearly one million Indians are currently waiting in the employment-based (EB) immigration queue, while thousands more continue to transition from H-1B work visas toward permanent residency. For decades, this pathway has served as a key route for skilled Indian professionals working in sectors such as technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance.

According to reports, the proposal prompted strong opposition from major US business organizations and technology companies. Industry groups, including the US Chamber of Commerce, warned that forcing applicants to leave the country while their applications were processed could disrupt hiring plans, delay projects, and create uncertainty for employers dependent on skilled foreign workers. Business leaders argued that the policy could negatively affect workforce stability and the broader US economy.

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Following the backlash, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) appeared to soften its position. While the agency initially stated that applicants should generally apply for permanent residency from outside the United States, officials later indicated that many applicants might not be required to leave the country. However, no formal revision or withdrawal of the proposal has been publicly announced, leaving some uncertainty regarding how the policy may ultimately be implemented.

The development highlights the ongoing debate surrounding US immigration policy and its impact on skilled foreign workers. For Indian professionals navigating lengthy green card wait times, any changes to the process can have significant personal and professional consequences. While the apparent shift in USCIS messaging has eased some concerns, many applicants and employers remain closely watchful for official clarification on the future of the proposed rule.

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