Trump Administration Requires Foreigners to Apply for Green Cards Abroad

On May 22, 2026, the Trump administration announced a new policy requiring most foreigners in the United States to leave the country and apply for green cards from their home countries, except in “extraordinary circumstances” ^[1][2]. The policy, confirmed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), aims to align with the “original intent of the law” and prevent temporary visa holders from using their stay in the U.S. as a first step toward permanent residency ^[1][2].

Immigration lawyers and aid groups have expressed concerns that the policy could impact hundreds of thousands of individuals, including students, temporary workers, spouses of U.S. citizens, refugees, and asylum seekers ^[1][3]. The policy’s potential effects were highlighted by Shev Dalal-Dheini, Senior Director of Government Relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association, who noted the significant number of people who could be affected ^[3].

USCIS has not specified when the policy will take effect or whether applicants must remain abroad for the entire application process. Additionally, there is no clarity on how the policy will affect those with pending applications ^[1][4]. Zach Kahler, a USCIS spokesperson, indicated that individuals who provide an “economic benefit” or serve the “national interest” might be allowed to remain in the U.S. while applying, while others would need to apply from abroad ^[1][4].

What Is Known

The policy requires most foreigners in the U.S. to apply for green cards from their home countries, with exceptions for “extraordinary circumstances” ^[1][2]. USCIS states the policy is intended to align with the “original intent of the law” ^[1][2].

What Remains Unclear

USCIS has not detailed when the policy will take effect or the requirements for applicants during the process ^[1][4]. It is also unclear how the policy will impact those with pending applications ^[1][4].