US green card applicants must leave country under new policy
24 May 2026

The Trump administration has ordered a major change in its immigration policy, asking noncitizens who have applied for a green card to leave the US.

The new rule applies even if they are legally present in the country and have US citizen spouses or children.

Green card petitioners will now have to wait for their applications to be processed outside the country through consular processing via the US Department of State.

Temporary permission not pathway to green card: Trump administration
Policy details

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has said that it will grant "adjustment of status" only in extraordinary circumstances and on a case-by-case basis.

The Trump administration's stance is that noncitizens entering the country on student, tourist, or temporary work visas are expected to leave once their term expires.

They believe temporary permission should not be a pathway to obtaining a green card.

USCIS defends policy, says it returns to original intent
Policy defense

USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler defended the new policy, saying it returns to the original intent of the law.

He said, "From now on, an alien who is in the US temporarily and wants a green card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances."

The move is aimed at preventing loopholes and ensuring noncitizens navigate through America's immigration system properly.

Critics raise humanitarian concerns over new policy
Criticism and concerns

Critics of the new policy have raised concerns about its potential humanitarian impact.

They argue that many overstays have US citizen spouses or children, pay taxes, and fill labor shortages.

If removed from the country under this policy change, these individuals could face long processing delays and other humanitarian challenges.