May 22, 2026
The Trump administration announced on Friday that most foreigners seeking a Green Card granting permanent US residency must apply from their home countries.
“From now on, an alien who is in the US temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances,” US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) spokesman Zach Kahler said in a statement.
“Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the US for a short time and for a specific purpose,” Kahler said.
“Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over,” he said. “Their visit should not function as the first step in the Green Card process.”
