The Trump administration announced Friday, May 22, 2026, that most green-card applicants must leave the United States to apply for permanent residency [1].
This policy shift alters the path to legal residency for noncitizens currently residing in the U.S. By requiring applicants to process their requests from their home countries, the administration aims to curb legal migration and make it more difficult for immigrants already within U.S. borders to obtain permanent status [2].
Under the new rule, individuals seeking lawful permanent resident status will generally be required to depart the U.S. indefinitely to complete the application process [3]. This change potentially impacts hundreds of thousands of people seeking green cards [4].
However, the administration included a specific carve-out for certain individuals. A USCIS official said, "Immigrants who provide an 'economic benefit' are likely able to apply for a green card without returning to their home country" [5].
This exemption allows the government to prioritize applicants who bring specific financial or professional advantages to the U.S. economy. For those who do not meet this criteria, the requirement to leave the country may create significant hurdles, including the risk of being unable to return while their applications are pending [2].
The administration said the rule is intended to prioritize the national interest by limiting the ability of those already in the country to adjust their status internally [2]. This move marks a departure from previous norms that allowed many applicants to remain in the U.S. while awaiting a decision on their residency [3].
“most green-card applicants must leave the United States to apply for permanent residency”
This policy represents a strategic shift toward 'merit-based' immigration by creating a high barrier for general applicants while maintaining a fast track for those with high economic value. By removing the ability to adjust status from within the U.S., the administration increases the legal risk for noncitizens, as leaving the country to apply can lead to prolonged separations from family or employment if processing times are extended.
