Amid ongoing debates over immigration policy, the Trump administration’s recent announcement regarding green card application procedures has sparked significant concern and discussion among various sectors. The new policy could potentially impact many immigrants, including those in the tech industry and other sectors reliant on skilled labor.
On Friday, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) declared that “adjustment of status” — a process enabling certain immigrants already in the US to apply for a green card without leaving the country — would now be permitted only under “extraordinary circumstances.” This change may compel many applicants to return to their home countries and await the processing of their cases abroad.
A USCIS spokesperson told Business Insider that exceptions might still apply for those who “provide an economic benefit or otherwise are in the national interest,” although the extent of these exemptions remains unclear, as does the number of immigrants who might be affected by this policy shift.
The administration justifies the change as a means to restore the original intent of immigration law. However, critics argue that it risks destabilizing the lives of foreign workers, mixed-status families, and long-term visa holders who have depended on this process for years.
Blake Scholl
Blake Scholl, the founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, expressed his understanding of the desire to prevent criminals from entering the US. However, he questioned the rationale behind making it harder for “motivated, ambitious, hardworking people” to access what he referred to as “the land of opportunity.”
Nick Davidov
Nick Davidov, founder of Davidovs Venture Collective, criticized the new green card rules, labeling them “the biggest bullshit move by DHS in its history” and a major disruption to crucial work for the country. He raised concerns about the potential impact on scientists, founders, and professionals on O1 or H1B visas, who may face legal uncertainty and lengthy backlogs if required to leave the US.
Davidov also highlighted the specific challenges faced by immigrants from countries like Iran and Ukraine, where returning could pose safety risks. He noted the contributions of immigrants like Elon Musk and Jensen Huang, who have founded some of America’s most valuable companies.
Andrew Ng
Andrew Ng, an AI entrepreneur and cofounder of Coursera, described the policy as a “capricious attack on legal immigration,” which he believes will harm families, reduce the number of professionals like doctors and scientists, and undermine American competitiveness in AI.
Reid Hoffman
Reid Hoffman, cofounder of LinkedIn, condemned the DHS’s decision as detrimental to technology, business, and the broader American landscape. He questioned the future of AI researchers and students who might have to suspend their work due to the new immigration backlog requirements.
Yvette Clarke
Rep. Yvette Clarke criticized the policy as a “disgrace,” predicting that it will remove talented immigrants from the US, exacerbate immigration backlogs, and further damage an already flawed system. She accused the administration of prioritizing immigrant hardship.
David J. Bier
David J. Bier, the director of immigration studies at the Cato Institute, called for new leadership at USCIS. He described the policy as evidence of “total malice against the applicants” and noted that many green card applicants might become ineligible due to the policy’s requirement to leave the US, thus triggering bars on re-entry.
Yann LeCun
Yann LeCun, an AI research pioneer, responded concisely to the green card policy change with a simple “Why?” on social media, expressing his perplexity at the decision.
