US Rule Requires Green Card Applicants to Leave Country

The Trump administration announced a new rule Friday requiring green-card applicants to leave the U.S. and apply from their country of origin [2, 5].

This policy shift fundamentally changes how foreign nationals transition to permanent residency by removing the ability to adjust status while remaining in the country. By mandating consular processing, the administration increases the risk that applicants may be unable to return to the U.S. if their applications are denied or delayed.

The rule, announced on May 22, 2026 [2, 5], targets foreign nationals currently living in the U.S. who seek permanent residency. Under the new guidelines, these individuals must exit the country to complete their applications through the consular process in their home nations [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Government officials said the move is intended to tighten immigration controls [2, 3]. The administration is prioritizing a more rigid enforcement of residency requirements, a move that aligns with broader efforts to restrict the flow of immigrants into the country [2, 3].

Legal analysts and immigrant advocacy groups said the rule could create significant hardship for families and workers. Thousands of immigrants could be affected by the rule ^[3], as they face the prospect of separating from spouses, or children, while awaiting processing in their home countries.

Previously, many applicants were able to undergo an "adjustment of status" process within the U.S. This new mandate effectively eliminates that path for those subject to the rule, forcing them to rely on the efficiency and availability of U.S. consulates abroad [1, 2, 4].

Because the rule requires applicants to leave the U.S. before applying, critics said it creates a precarious situation where individuals may be barred from re-entry if they encounter administrative hurdles during the consular process [3, 4].