The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice are implementing new rules requiring most green-card applicants to apply from outside the U.S.
These changes represent a significant shift in legal migration policy that could displace thousands of prospective residents and create financial barriers for those seeking citizenship. The administration said the moves aim to curb legal migration and increase revenue for the immigration system.
On May 22, 2026 [4], the government announced the rule change for permanent residency. Under the new guidelines, the majority of applicants must now process their requests from abroad rather than adjusting their status from within the country. This shift tightens the pathway for legal migration, a move that contrasts with separate reports regarding easing migration trends in Canada.
Alongside the residency requirements, the Department of Homeland Security proposed a 75% [3] increase in naturalization fees. This fee hike is intended to generate additional funding for the agency's operations, though it may prove prohibitive for low-income applicants.
These regulatory updates arrive during a period of heightened judicial activity. This week, the Supreme Court issued a ruling on asylum policy, further altering the legal landscape for non-citizens. The combination of higher costs and stricter geographic requirements creates a more restrictive environment for those attempting to navigate the U.S. legal immigration system.
While the focus remains on systemic changes, other legal actions continue to move through the courts. Separate proceedings involving John Bolton have resulted in a fine of $2.25 million [2] and a potential prison sentence of up to five years [1].
“The administration aims to curb legal migration and raise revenue for the immigration system.”
The simultaneous introduction of geographic restrictions for residency and steep fee increases suggests a strategic move to reduce the volume of legal immigrants. By shifting the application process offshore and increasing the cost of citizenship, the U.S. government is creating structural hurdles that may discourage legal migration and prioritize higher-income applicants.
