Marc Elrich issued a statement Thursday criticizing new federal green card processing policies that could require some lawful immigrants to leave the United States and apply for permanent residency from abroad.
In the statement, Elrich said the policy creates uncertainty for families already attempting to comply with legal immigration processes, arguing it could separate spouses, parents, and children with “absolutely no guarantee of ever returning.” He said the changes would negatively impact mixed-status families and create instability for immigrants who have established lives in the United States.
Elrich also expressed concern about the impact the policies could have on Montgomery County’s workforce and economy, particularly industries that rely on international talent through H-1B visas and other legal immigration programs. He pointed to sectors including biotechnology, cybersecurity, health sciences, engineering, and research, saying policies that make legal immigrants feel “disposable or unwelcome” could hurt the county’s ability to attract skilled workers and innovators.
The statement also referenced a federal court decision dismissing criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego García. Elrich said he remained concerned about what he described as ongoing efforts by the Trump Administration to disrupt the lives of immigrants across the country.
