WASHINGTON DC (Kashmir English): According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), immigrants seeking permanent residency in America have nothing to worry about since the majority of them are not required to leave the country while the process of review is being completed.
This clarification came as a result of misinformation that was spread over the last several days due to the reports in the mass media, as well as USCIS announcements.
According to international media sources, the initial reports were believed to indicate that a new policy was introduced. However, DHS confirmed the news that there were no changes whatsoever, and the statement was merely the explanation of some discretionary authorities immigration officials may use in certain cases.
Immigration officials stated that all cases are considered individually, and depending on the circumstances of each particular case, a decision is made.
Additional consideration may be needed in cases where there were some overstays of visas or other forms of immigration violations. However, it should be pointed out that these are rather exceptions to the rule.
In addition, DHS assured the applicants that in general, most people are allowed to stay within the US during the process of their Green Card applications. Therefore, most of the applicants would not be faced with any immediate changes regarding their present status.
According to immigration attorneys, the clarification means a great deal to many thousands of families who are in the middle of their legal resident applications because staying outside of the country may cause some problems associated with work, education, and family.
While it appears to be good news for immigrants, the applicants are nonetheless encouraged to update their documentation accordingly so that there will be no problems with their application processes.
There was an emphasis from officials that there was no change made to the process of applying for the green card, and as such, most applicants will still be waiting on their decisions while inside the US.
