US Introduces Green Card Path for Children of Foreign Workers

The United States has introduced a new immigration route allowing certain children born on American soil to foreign government employees to apply for lawful permanent residence, known as a green card. This new arrangement, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), extends eligibility beyond children of foreign diplomatic officers to include other categories of foreign government employees.

The interim final rule, published in the Federal Register on September 9, applies to eligible children born in the US on or after that date. Children whose parents are not US citizens may voluntarily register for permanent residence if at least one parent was a qualifying foreign government employee at the time of their birth.

The regulation covers four categories of foreign government employees, including diplomatic officers and employees of international organizations. Applications must be submitted and approved by immigration authorities, and the process is voluntary.