{"text":[[{"start":7.85,"text":"The Trump administration has announced new rules that require most green card applicants to apply for US permanent residency overseas in an immigration clampdown that could have sweeping effects on American businesses. "}],[{"start":20.299999999999997,"text":"Those who are in the US temporarily and are seeking the residency status will be required to return to their home country and apply at an American consulate, “except in extraordinary circumstances”, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced on Friday. Currently, many green card applicants file from within the US."}],[{"start":40.05,"text":"The move, which could have particularly adverse consequences for students, tech workers and the spouses of American citizens, marks the latest effort by the Trump administration to restrict immigration."}],[{"start":51.849999999999994,"text":"“We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly,” USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler said in a statement."}],[{"start":61.55,"text":"“Non-immigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the US for a short time and for a specific purpose. Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over. Their visit should not function as the first step in the Green Card process.” "}],[{"start":78.55,"text":"The USCIS said that immigration officers would be directed to consider all relevant factors and information on a case-by-case basis when deciding whether it is warranted for a green card applicant to apply from within the US."}],[{"start":91.75,"text":"The Trump administration’s announcement was met with criticism from some members of the tech community, which has been vocal about changes to immigration rules."}],[{"start":100.7,"text":"LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman said the move was “harmful” for tech, business “and America broadly”."}],[{"start":107.15,"text":"“Does this mean AI Researchers, employees, and students will now have to leave the country and wait through a backlog process to continue their work?” he said in a post on X."}],[{"start":118.85000000000001,"text":"“The biggest bullshit move by the [Department of Homeland Security] in its history,” venture capitalist Nick Davidov said."}],[{"start":125.15,"text":"“And if we look at individual countries it becomes even more bs. Indians would have to wait decades. Russians don’t have anywhere to go (there is no US embassy in Russia, hello?),” he wrote in a post on X."}],[{"start":139.15,"text":"The Business Roundtable, a lobbying group, did not immediately respond to a request for comment."}],[{"start":145.15,"text":"Since commencing his second presidential term last year, Donald Trump has sought to push through sweeping immigration changes that have targeted immigrants in the country illegally, but that have also had implications for professional workers sponsored by US businesses."}],[{"start":159.4,"text":"In February, DHS said it would prioritise the allocation of H-1B visas to higher-paid and better-skilled foreign workers."}],[{"start":167.35,"text":"In November, the government halted all asylum decisions following the shooting of two National Guard members. The blanket pause on adjudications for most applicants was ended in late March."}],[{"start":178.15,"text":"Additional reporting by Alex Rogers in Washington"}],[{"start":188.79999999999998,"text":""}]],"url":"https://audio.ftcn.net.cn/album/a_1779501875_9193.mp3"}