WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — The Trump administration announced on Friday that most foreigners seeking a Green Card granting permanent US residency must apply from their home countries.

“From now on, an alien who is in the US temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances,” US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) spokesman Zach Kahler said in a statement.

“Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the US for a short time and for a specific purpose,” Kahler said.