(Donald Trump. Photo by PBS)

Major changes to US immigration policy are here and they could affect thousands of migrants currently living in America on temporary visas!

The Trump administration has rolled out new immigration guidelines through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that significantly tighten the path to permanent residency for migrants already in the country.

Here is what the new policy means in simple terms 

Under the previous system, many migrants on temporary visas could apply for a Green Card without ever leaving the United States a process known as "adjustment of status." That is now largely being scrapped.

Going forward, migrants on temporary visas who want permanent residency will generally be required to:

Return to their home countries, Apply for an immigrant visa through the US Department of State abroad, Complete all screening and processing outside the US, Only then reenter America as lawful permanent residents

The only exceptions will be for individuals facing what USCIS describes as "extraordinary circumstances." 

USCIS Director Joseph Edlow defended the move, saying the administration is simply restoring the original intent of immigration law and reinforcing the difference between temporary admission and permanent residence.

USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler added that the policy would also help reduce cases where migrants remain in the country illegally after their residency applications are denied.

The new guidance affects applications filed under Section 245(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act  a provision that has long allowed eligible migrants to adjust their status without leaving US soil.

This is a significant shift that could impact a large number of immigrants currently in the US. 

(Woman Collapsed. Photo by The Mirror)

A woman reportedly collapsed and had to be carried away after she and her partner were each publicly flogged 100 times in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, as punishment for allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship outside of marriage under the province's strict Sharia law.

The caning was carried out by a masked official in front of a crowd of onlookers.

The woman fainted during the ordeal while her partner was visibly in severe pain as he received his lashes.

The couple were among several individuals punished that day for violating Sharia regulations in the province, with offences reportedly including extramarital relationships allegedly arranged through online platforms.

Sentences handed down by the Banda Aceh Sharia Court and Prosecutor's Office ranged from 25 to 100 lashes.

Aceh remains the only province in Indonesia that enforces Sharia law, under which unmarried sexual relationships are prohibited.

Public caning is also applied as punishment for offences such as gambling, alcohol consumption and same-sex relations, and is deliberately carried out in public to serve as both a penalty and a deterrent to others.

The practice has drawn strong condemnation from international human rights organisations.

Amnesty International described caning as a violation of Indonesia's own constitution and a breach of international human rights law, calling it cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

Human Rights Watch has also been vocal in its opposition.

Despite widespread global criticism, authorities in Aceh continue to defend the practice as an integral part of their religious and cultural framework, arguing that it serves as an effective deterrent against immoral behaviour.