The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued a policy memorandum that imposes stricter criteria on nonimmigrant visitors and individuals paroled into the United States. This new policy aims to decrease the likelihood of these individuals staying unlawfully if their green card applications are denied.

According to the memorandum, the process for obtaining a green card will now be more challenging for those admitted under nonimmigrant or parole status. To pursue permanent residency, these individuals may need to leave the U.S. and reapply from their home countries.

The change is intended to prevent situations where people remain in the country unlawfully after their application is denied.