WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The United States has clarified that many H-1B visa holders can remain in the country while applying for permanent residency, easing fears among thousands of foreign workers after confusion over a recent immigration policy statement.

The clarification came after a memo from U.S. immigration authorities suggested that temporary visa holders seeking green cards might need to return to their home countries to complete the process. The statement caused concern among skilled workers, especially Indian professionals employed in the technology sector. A spokesperson for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Zach Kahler, later said the policy would not apply to every applicant.

“People who present applications that provide an economic benefit or otherwise are in the national interest will likely be able to continue on their current path,” Kahler told Newsweek.

The updated clarification suggests that many H-1B visa holders may continue living and working in the United States while applying for green cards through the adjustment of status process. For years, the adjustment of status system allowed temporary visa holders to apply for permanent residency from within the U.S. without leaving the country. The earlier policy language appeared to signal a major shift away from that practice.

Kahler previously said applicants seeking green cards “must return to their home country to apply” unless they qualified for an exception. That statement quickly triggered anxiety among foreign workers and immigration attorneys. The new explanation has eased some fears, but uncertainty remains over how immigration officials will decide who qualifies under the “economic benefit” or “national interest” standards.

Indian professionals make up the largest share of H-1B visa holders in the United States. Many work in technology, healthcare, engineering, and finance. Thousands of Indian workers depend on the H-1B visa program to build long-term careers in the U.S. Many also face long waits for employment-based green cards because of country-specific limits. The recent policy confusion raised concerns that workers could face major disruptions to their jobs and personal lives. Some feared they would need to leave the United States and wait abroad for visa appointments or immigration processing.

Immigration experts warned that such delays could keep workers separated from their families and employers for months. Many H-1B visa holders also worry about layoffs in a slowing job market. Current visa rules require workers who lose their jobs to find new employment within a limited period or leave the country.

The H-1B visa program plays a major role in the U.S. technology industry. Large companies rely on highly skilled foreign workers for software development, artificial intelligence, healthcare research, and engineering projects. Any major change to green card processing rules could affect hiring plans and workforce stability across several industries.

The latest clarification provides temporary relief for employers and workers. Still, immigration lawyers say the lack of detailed guidance leaves many unanswered questions. Officials have not yet explained how they will measure economic benefit or determine whether an applicant serves the national interest. As a result, many foreign workers continue to monitor updates from USCIS and the federal government.

The issue has also sparked debate within the Indian professional community. Business leader Sridhar Vembu encouraged Indians working in the United States to consider returning home.

“Please come home… self-respect should dictate your course,” Vembu wrote in remarks that circulated widely online.

His comments received mixed reactions. Some supported the idea of returning to India as the country’s economy grows. Others said leaving the U.S. would be difficult after spending years building careers, businesses, and family lives abroad. Many Indian professionals continue to see the United States as a major destination for career growth and higher wages despite immigration uncertainty.

The clarification from USCIS may calm immediate fears, but the broader direction of U.S. immigration policy remains strict. Authorities have indicated that some green card applicants still may need to complete processing outside the United States, depending on individual circumstances. Immigration advocates say clearer rules will be necessary to avoid confusion among employers and foreign workers.