Trump Orders Comprehensive Review of Green Cards from High-Risk Countries: Application Process, Eligibility, and Fees Explained

Green Card holders are formally known as lawful permanent residents (LPRs).

Following an incident where an Afghan national shot at two West Virginia National Guard members near the White House in Washington, DC, President Donald Trump has mandated a comprehensive re-examination of all green cards issued to immigrants from designated "countries of concern." One of the soldiers, Sarah Beckstrom, succumbed to her injuries, as announced by Trump on Thursday.

Joseph Edlow, Director of the US Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS), stated, "I have directed a full-scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern."

At the direction of @POTUS, I have directed a full scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.

In June, the US implemented entry restrictions for nationals from 12 countries identified as posing "a very high risk" to the United States, including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The Trump administration also enforced a partial ban on travelers from seven additional nations: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela.

A Green Card, officially termed a Permanent Resident Card, provides foreign nationals the legal authorization to live and work permanently in the United States.

Green Card holders, officially recognized as lawful permanent residents (LPRs), can pursue US citizenship after fulfilling specific requirements. Typically, they must reside continuously in the US for a designated period, usually between 1 to 5 years, and demonstrate good moral character.

Children under 18 years automatically acquire US citizenship if at least one parent is already a US citizen.

Green Cards are granted to foreign nationals under various categories, including family-based sponsorship (where a US citizen or permanent resident relative sponsors them) and employment-based categories (such as having a job offer or investing in a US business).

Individuals may also obtain Green Cards through the Diversity visa lottery. Annually, the US conducts the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program lottery for applicants from countries with low US immigration rates. Those granted asylum or refugee status in the US may apply for a Green Card after one year of residence.

Typically, a family member or employer submits a petition requesting the US government to issue a Green Card for an applicant. In certain situations, individuals can apply independently.

After petition approval and when a Green Card becomes available for your category, the application process begins.

If residing in the US, applicants file a Green Card application with USCIS. Those outside the US apply for an immigrant visa through the US Department of State.

Subsequently, applicants attend a biometrics appointment to provide fingerprints, photos, and signatures for background verification.

The next phase involves an interview where an official poses questions to confirm eligibility.

Upon approval, applicants receive their Green Card, typically valid for 10 years.

Green card fees include: Non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa- $185.00 (approx. Rs 15,300), Petition-based visa categories- $205.00 (approx. Rs 17,000), Treaty Trader/Investor, Australian Professional Specialty category visa- $315.00 (approx. Rs 26,000), Fiance(e) or Spouse of US citizen category visa- $265.00 (approx. Rs 21,000), Immigrant petition for relative (I-130)- $675 (Rs 56,000), Orphan (intercountry adoption) immediate relative petition (I-600, I-800)- $775 (Rs 64,300), Immediate relative and family preference applications (processed on the basis of an approved I-130, I-600 or I-800 petition)- $325 (approx. Rs 27,000), Employment-based applications (processed on the basis of an approved I-140 or I-526 petition)- $345 (approx. Rs 29,000), Other immigrant visa applications- $205 (approx. Rs 17,000), and Diversity Visa Lottery fee (per person applying as a DV program selectee)- $330 (approx. Rs 27,300).