The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a memorandum requiring most immigrants seeking a green card to apply from their home countries [1].
This policy shift represents a tightening of immigration controls. By forcing applicants to leave the U.S. to complete their residency process, the administration creates a barrier for thousands of foreign nationals currently residing within the country [3].
According to the memorandum announced in May 2026, applicants for permanent residence must first depart the United States and submit their applications from their country of origin [1], [3]. This mandate is part of a restrictive immigration agenda aimed at ensuring that the processing of residency occurs outside U.S. borders [1], [2].
In addition to the new filing requirements, the administration has suspended immigrant-visa processing for 75 countries [1]. This suspension limits the ability of foreign nationals to secure legal permanent status through traditional channels.
Reports on the specific implementation date vary among sources. Some reports indicate the measure was announced on a Friday, while others state that a specific effective date for the change was not provided [2], [4].
The rule applies to immigrants physically present in the U.S. who are attempting to transition to permanent residency [1], [5]. By removing the option for domestic adjustment of status for the majority of applicants, the administration mandates a physical exit from the country to maintain a legal path to a green card [3].
“Applicants for permanent residence must first depart the United States and submit their applications from their country of origin.”
This policy change fundamentally alters the 'adjustment of status' process, which previously allowed many immigrants to apply for permanent residency without leaving the U.S. By requiring applicants to exit the country and suspending visas for 75 nations, the administration is leveraging geographic and administrative barriers to reduce the number of immigrants successfully transitioning to legal permanent residency.
