A recent US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) memorandum does not contain any new rule requiring individuals applying for US green cards to return to their countries of origin – but is simply a stricter implementation of existing immigration laws, immigration lawyer and Bergenfield, New Jersey Mayor Arvin Amatorio said.

A USCIS memorandum from May 21, 2026, imposes varied scrutiny on green card applications.

USCIS has updated its green card policy 2026, clarifying that not all applicants will be required to leave the country to secure permanent residency in U.S.