USCIS Requires Green Card Applicants to Apply from Home Countries
The Trump administration has announced a policy change requiring most green card applicants to apply from their home countries, ending the longstanding practice of in-country applications.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant policy shift requiring most foreigners seeking green cards to apply from their home countries, effectively ending the decades-old practice of in-country applications. This change, detailed in a policy memorandum issued on May 21, 2026, emphasizes that adjustment of status is a discretionary relief and not a right, aligning with the original intent of federal immigration law.
Under the new directive, individuals on temporary visas—including students, tourists, and temporary workers—are expected to return to their home countries to apply for permanent residency, except in rare cases involving "extraordinary circumstances" determined by USCIS officers.
Critics argue that this policy could separate families indefinitely, especially for nationals from countries under travel bans or where U.S. consulates are non-operational. Legal professionals have expressed concern over processing delays, safety issues, and logistical barriers, predicting a chilling effect on green card applications.
The exact implementation timeline and specifics remain unclear, but the move is perceived as part of broader efforts by the administration to curtail legal immigration and restrict paths to permanent residency and citizenship.