Trump Administration Requires Green Card Applicants to Return Home for Processing
On May 22-23, 2026, the Trump administration announced a major policy shift requiring most foreign nationals legally in the U.S.—including students, workers, tourists, and spouses of citizens—to return to their home countries to apply for green cards, ending the long-standing practice of in-country status adjustment. USCIS claims the move restores the law’s original intent and reduces overstay incentives. Critics warn of indefinite family separations, especially for applicants from countries with closed embassies. The policy affects approximately 600,000 annual applicants and is part of broader immigration restrictions.
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DHS Clarifies Green Card Policy: No Mandatory Departure for All Applicants
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified a recent USCIS directive that initially appeared to require most green card applicants to leave the United States and apply from their home countries. Following concerns, DHS stated that immigration officers retain discretion to evaluate cases individually, and not all immigrants will need to depart. The policy aims to discourage exploitation of loopholes and ensure temporary visas serve their intended purpose. Exceptions are likely for applicants providing economic benefit or serving national interest. The clarification affects thousands of immigrants, including those on H-1B, F-1, and H-4 visas, and may lead to increased scrutiny of applications.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Trump Administration Policy Could Force Legal Residents Abroad for Green Card Applications
The Trump administration, through USCIS, has issued a policy memo requiring most individuals seeking adjustment of immigration status to do so from outside the United States, unless they qualify for 'extraordinary circumstances.' This marks a sharp departure from the current process allowing those on temporary status to apply for permanent residency domestically. The policy, effective immediately as a guidance document, cites section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, claiming Congress intended to limit adjustment of status to extraordinary cases. However, immigration attorneys argue the plain language of the statute contradicts this interpretation, noting it allows those lawfully admitted for temporary residence to apply while in the US. The USCIS backlog has reached 11.65 million cases, a 23% increase. Agency officials indicate flexibility for applicants providing economic benefit or national interest, but critics say the policy makes legal immigration unnecessarily difficult.
Reason.comTrump Administration Policy Could Force Legal Residents Abroad for Green Card Applications
The Trump administration has issued a new USCIS policy memo requiring most individuals seeking adjustment of immigration status to do so outside the United States, unless they qualify for 'extraordinary circumstances.' This marks a sharp departure from the current process allowing temporary status holders to apply for permanent residency domestically. The policy, effective immediately as a guidance document, cites the Immigration and Nationality Act (Section 245) as justification, claiming Congress intended to limit adjustment of status to extraordinary cases. Immigration attorneys argue the policy contradicts the plain language of the statute, which allows those lawfully admitted for temporary status to apply while in the U.S. The USCIS backlog has reached 11.65 million cases, a 23% increase. Agency officials indicate flexibility for applicants providing economic benefit or national interest, but critics say the policy makes legal immigration unnecessarily difficult.
Reason.comUSCIS Confirms New Process: Temporary Visa Holders Must Leave US to Apply for Green Card
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant policy change for foreigners holding temporary visas who seek permanent residence (green cards). Under the new regulations, most applicants must leave the United States and process their immigrant visa at a US embassy or consulate in their country of origin, effectively closing the internal adjustment-of-status route. The policy aims to reduce internal procedures and prevent temporary visits from being used as a first step toward permanent residency. Exceptions exist only for 'extraordinary circumstances,' where applicants must demonstrate unusual or outstanding equities such as strong family ties, employment history, and good moral character, while negative factors like immigration violations or fraud are weighed. Even holders of H-1B or L-1 visas are not guaranteed approval; USCIS officers will conduct a 'totality of circumstances' analysis. If an exception is denied, USCIS must issue a written notification detailing the evaluation, which can be used for appeals.
LA NACIONUS Requires Green Card Applicants to Return to Home Country for Processing
The US government has announced a major change to its immigration policy, requiring individuals applying for permanent residence (green cards) to first return to their home country and submit applications from there, rather than applying while staying in the US. The policy, effective immediately, could affect hundreds of thousands of people, including many foreign workers in the tech sector who hold H-1B visas. Immigration agency spokesman Zach Kahler stated the change aims to close loopholes and reduce illegal overstays. Exceptions exist for those providing economic benefit or serving national interest, but refugees are excluded. Critics, including LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, warn the rule could cause prolonged family separations and harm the tech industry. In 2024, 820,000 of the 1.4 million green cards issued went to people already living in the US.
De StandaardTrump Administration Requires Green Card Applicants in US to Return Home Country for Processing
The Trump administration announced on May 23, 2026, that most foreigners seeking a Green Card for permanent US residency must now apply from their home countries, ending the previous practice where over half of applicants were already in the United States. USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler stated that nonimmigrants—such as students, temporary workers, and tourists—must leave the US and apply through State Department consular offices abroad, except in extraordinary circumstances. The policy aims to prevent applicants from overstaying after a denial and aligns with President Trump's campaign pledge to reduce illegal immigration. The US grants over 1 million Green Cards annually, and this change closes another legal pathway to residency.
https://www.manilatimes.netTrump Administration Requires Green Card Seekers to Apply from Abroad
The Trump administration announced on May 23, 2026, that most foreign nationals seeking permanent U.S. residency must leave the country and apply for green cards at American consulates in their home countries, revamping the adjustment of status pathway. Exceptions will be granted only in extraordinary circumstances, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler framed the move as restoring the immigration system's original design, stating that temporary visitors were never intended to use their stays as a first step toward permanent residency. The policy aims to reduce incentives for illegal overstay after denial. This follows the administration's January suspension of visa processing at U.S. consulates for nationals of 75 countries designated as 'at high risk of public benefits reliance.'
The American ConservativeTrump Administration to Require Foreigners to Leave US for Green Card Applications, with Exceptions for Economic or National Interest
The Trump administration announced on May 23, 2026, that foreign nationals in the U.S. seeking green cards must return to their home countries to apply, ending a half-century policy allowing in-country adjustment of status. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated that exceptions may be granted for those providing 'economic benefit' or serving 'national interest,' but officers will decide on a case-by-case basis. The change affects hundreds of thousands of applicants annually, including students, workers, and family members of U.S. citizens. Immigration lawyers and aid groups warn of indefinite family separations, especially for individuals from countries with suspended visa processing or closed embassies, such as Afghanistan. The policy is part of broader efforts to restrict legal immigration and the path to citizenship.
Fortune | FORTUNETrump administration to require foreigners in US to apply for green cards abroad
The Trump administration announced a surprise policy change on Friday requiring foreigners legally present in the United States—including those on work, student, and tourist visas, as well as spouses of US citizens and asylum seekers—to leave the country and apply for green cards from their home countries, except in 'extraordinary circumstances.' The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) described the move as closing a 'loophole' and returning to the 'original intent of the law.' Immigration lawyers and aid groups criticized the change, warning it could cause indefinite family separations, especially for applicants from countries with suspended visa processing or closed US embassies, such as Afghanistan. The policy affects approximately 600,000 people who apply for permanent residency from within the US each year. USCIS did not specify an effective date or clarify whether pending applications would be impacted, creating widespread confusion among immigrants and legal experts.
The Texas TribuneTrump Administration Requires Green Card Applicants to Return to Home Country for Processing
On May 22, 2026, the Trump administration announced a major shift in U.S. immigration policy, requiring most candidates for permanent residence (green cards) to complete their applications in their country of origin rather than from within the United States. Previously, many visa holders already in the U.S. could adjust their status on site. The new rule, outlined in a six-page document, applies to holders of limited-term visas such as students, temporary workers, and tourists. The administration argues it reduces the need to track down those who overstay after denial. Critics, including Democratic Representative Chuy Garcia, call the policy 'absurd and cruel,' noting it will force legal immigrants, including spouses of U.S. citizens, to leave their homes and jobs for weeks or months. The U.S. issues over one million green cards annually, with more than half of applicants currently on American soil. The move is part of a broader anti-immigration campaign that has already restricted refugee admissions.
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.Trump Administration Orders Legal Migrants to Return Home for Green Card Applications
The Trump administration announced on Friday a new policy memo requiring prospective immigrants to return to their home country to apply for green cards. This directive effectively stifles the most common pathway used for legal immigration, which previously allowed applicants to adjust their status within the United States. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) portrayed the memo as returning to the original intent of the law. The policy is expected to significantly impact legal immigration processes and has drawn criticism from immigration advocates who argue it will create unnecessary burdens and delays for applicants already in the U.S. legally.
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