Trump Administration: Green Card Seekers Must Apply Abroad
The Trump administration now requires green card seekers in the U.S. to apply from abroad.
Why it matters: Corporate counsels, immigration lawyers, and affected employees face new challenges navigating residency status. The policy could disrupt work, housing, and family stability for thousands of legal residents.
- Announced May 22, 2026, ending decades of in-country green card applications.
- Affects legal residents, including spouses of U.S. citizens, students, and workers.
- Exceptions only for 'extraordinary circumstances' as determined by USCIS officers.
- Critics warn of family separations, processing delays, and a chilling effect on applications.
The Trump administration announced a major policy shift on May 22, 2026, requiring most foreigners seeking a green card to leave the U.S. and apply from their home countries. This reverses a longstanding practice, known as 'adjustment of status,' that allowed eligible individuals to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country.
- The new rule affects those with legal status—such as students, temporary workers, refugees, asylum seekers, and even spouses of U.S. citizens.
- Only those facing 'extraordinary circumstances,' judged by USCIS officers, may be allowed to apply within the U.S.
Officials defend the policy as preventing 'misuse' of the process. But legal experts and advocates contend it disrupts lives and threatens family unity.
- Elizabeth Goss, an immigration attorney, noted, “There’s no true policy reason behind this. It’s not a security issue—these people have already been vetted for temporary, nonimmigrant visas.”
- Robin Nice, also an immigration attorney, described the rule as “extremely disruptive” to both applicants and the legal system.
Employers, including universities and research institutions, may struggle as valued employees face possible prolonged absences or fail to return at all due to visa delays or consulate closures abroad.
The uncertainty is acute for applicants from countries subject to travel bans or lacking functioning U.S. consular services, potentially leading to extended separations and legal limbo for entire families.
By the numbers:
- Over 1 million — typical annual green card recipients, most already living in the U.S.
- 1.2 million — legal immigrants currently waiting for green card approval.
- May 22, 2026 — date of the policy announcement.
Yes, but: Details on exemptions and handling of pending cases remain unclear, leaving many in legal limbo.
What's next: Legal challenges and further guidance from USCIS are anticipated as stakeholders seek clarity.