India, May 24 -- A day after announcing it would restrict green card applications filed from inside the US, the US immigration agency partially softened its position on Friday, saying workers who demonstrate an economic benefit or are in the national interest will likely be allowed to continue on their current path and apply for the permit from within America.

In a policy memo dated May 22, the agency directed officers to approve adjustment of status applications - the process by which visa holders apply for a green card without leaving the US - only in "extraordinary circumstances."

On Friday, US Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesman Zach Kahler said: "People who present applications that provide an economic benefit or otherwi...