US Introduces Major Green Card Policy Change for Foreign Applicants
May 2026 | By Azad News
The United States government has announced a major immigration policy change that could significantly impact foreigners seeking permanent residency through the green card process.
According to a new policy memorandum issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), most individuals currently residing in the United States on temporary visas may now be required to leave the country and complete their immigrant visa applications from abroad.
The updated policy affects several visa categories, including international students, tourists, and temporary workers who were previously able to apply for permanent residency through the “adjustment of status” process while remaining inside the US.
USCIS officials stated that adjustment of status requests within the United States will now be approved only under extraordinary circumstances and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
The policy change is part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration strategy aimed at tightening both legal and illegal immigration procedures.
Immigration officers have also been instructed to examine whether applicants acted consistently with the original purpose of the visa under which they entered the country.
Immigration advocates and legal experts have expressed concerns that the new rules could create lengthy separations for families, particularly for applicants married to US citizens or those with children born in the United States.
Critics warn that many applicants forced to return to their home countries could face extended waiting periods due to visa backlogs at American embassies and consulates worldwide.
Supporters of the policy argue that the changes are intended to strengthen immigration enforcement and ensure that legal pathways are followed according to existing immigration laws.
Conclusion
The latest US immigration policy marks a significant shift in the green card application process and may have wide-reaching effects on temporary visa holders and immigrant families seeking permanent residency in the United States.
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