New green card policy could send thousands back to their country of origin

A new federal policy could require thousands of immigrants to return to their home countries before the opportunity to petition for green cards. This has applicants and immigration lawyers trying to understand how the change will change the process to become a permanent resident.

Immigration lawyers and advocacy organizations said that the change would reduce green card applications. In 2024, 1.4 million green cards were issued, and more than 800,000 of the recipients were already in the United States and had their immigration status modified as part of the process. According to immigration law experts, the change announced on Friday will be of particular concern to those who are married to U.S. citizens and seeking permanent residence

Delia Salvatierra, lawyer at Salvatierra Law Group and Co-Chair of the Phoenix Community Alliance Hance Park, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss the issue and how it would effect the people.