Trump Rule Pushes Most Green Card Applicants To Apply From Abroad
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services announced on Friday, May 22, 2026 that most foreign nationals physically in the U.S. must leave and apply for green cards from abroad.[1]
The agency said exceptions would be narrow and limited to "extraordinary circumstances," a sharp shift that could force many family members and lawful workers to risk visa denials and long waits overseas.[1]
The move overturns a more than 50-year-old system that let many applicants with legal U.S. status adjust to permanent residence without leaving the country, a process immigration lawyers have relied on.[1]
The Department of Homeland Security told the Associated Press the policy will not stop eligible applicants from getting green cards but will require some to apply abroad and said it should have "no noticeable impact" on highly qualified and skilled workers.
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📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, May 22, 2026, USCIS posted a policy stating that foreign nationals in the U.S. who want a green card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances.
- The change alters a more than 50-year-old system that allowed many applicants with legal status to adjust to permanent residence without leaving the United States.
- DHS told the Associated Press on May 27, 2026, that the policy will not stop eligible applicants from getting green cards but will require some to apply abroad and will supposedly have "no noticeable impact" on highly qualified and skilled workers.
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