Lead

The Trump administration announced on May 22, 2026, that most foreigners currently in the United States on temporary visas who seek permanent residency, or a green card, must now return to their home countries to apply, according to multiple sources including Reuters, Al Jazeera, and The Guardian. The policy, issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), effectively ends the long-standing practice of applying for a green card from within the US through a process known as "adjustment of status."

USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler said in a statement: “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.” He added that the policy "allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivising loopholes." The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which oversees USCIS, echoed that message on social media, stating that "the era of abusing our nation's immigration system is over."

However, within days, DHS officials walked back the sweeping nature of the announcement. According to The New York Times, as reported by the South China Morning Post, DHS clarified that the policy would be implemented "on a case-by-case basis" and that there was "no major policy shift," with immigration officers retaining discretion to evaluate individual applications.

Coverage Comparison

The announcement received broad international coverage, with sources from the Middle East, South Asia, Europe, and Asia-Pacific all reporting on the policy change. Al Jazeera framed the move as part of the Trump administration's broader effort to tighten immigration rules, while Dawn (Pakistan) described it as a "sweeping policy change" that would "sharply restrict" the adjustment-of-status process.

Deutsche Welle and The Guardian both noted the potential impact on hundreds of thousands of immigrants, with The Guardian highlighting the confusion and fear among visa holders and families. The South China Morning Post focused on the disruption to Asian workers already facing visa backlogs, and The Hindu (India) reported on the policy's implications for Indian professionals on H-1B visas.

Notably, the South China Morning Post also reported the subsequent DHS clarification, which was less prominently covered by other outlets. The Wall Street Journal and other financial media outlets were not among the sources analyzed, but their coverage was not accessible for this report.

Key Claims

  • The policy requires most temporary visa holders seeking a green card to return to their home countries to apply, per multiple sources including Reuters, Al Jazeera, Dawn, and Deutsche Welle.
  • USCIS stated that green card applications would be handled by the State Department at US consular offices abroad, as reported by The Hindu and other outlets.
  • The policy could affect hundreds of thousands of visa holders and families, according to immigration-law experts cited by the South China Morning Post and The Guardian. The US grants more than one million green cards each year, and more than half of applicants have historically been already in the US, as reported by The Washington Post and cited by Deutsche Welle and The Hindu.
  • Exceptions to the policy will be made for applicants who provide economic benefit or are in the national interest, as reported by The Guardian and the South China Morning Post. USCIS also acknowledged that certain visa categories allow "dual intent," meaning some temporary visa holders are permitted to pursue permanent residency while in the US, though approval is not guaranteed.
  • A claim that the Trump administration "walked back" its announcement, reported by the South China Morning Post citing The New York Times, and that DHS said the policy would be implemented case-by-case. This claim was not independently verified by other sources in this analysis.

Perspectives

Administration's Perspective: Officials argue the policy restores the original intent of immigration law, ensuring temporary visa holders depart when their purpose for visiting ends. They contend that applying from home reduces incentives for overstaying and illegal residence after denial.

Immigrant Advocates' Perspective: Advocacy groups and lawyers warn the policy could separate families, disrupt careers, and force individuals to leave jobs and homes for extended periods. They also point to potential backlogs at consulates and risks to vulnerable populations, such as trafficking survivors and abused children, who might be forced to return to dangerous countries.

Legal Experts' Perspective: Immigration attorneys note the policy adds uncertainty and could deter legal immigration. They highlight that litigation is likely, but the immediate effect may already be to discourage applicants. The Cato Institute and American Immigration Council have provided data on the number of affected applicants.

Applicants' Perspective: Personal stories from those affected, as reported by The Guardian, describe anxiety over lives built in the US—careers, homes, marriages—being thrown into doubt. Indian software engineers on H-1B visas, for example, face added layers of uncertainty amid already long backlogs.

DHS's Clarification: After initial backlash, DHS clarified that the policy is a "reminder" to officers rather than a wholesale change, and that discretion will be exercised on a case-by-case basis, with exceptions for economic benefit and national interest. This nuanced stance has yet to fully quell concerns.

Conclusion

The announcement and subsequent clarification have left many green card applicants in a state of flux. While the administration portrays the move as a legal and procedural correction, the real-world implications for hundreds of thousands of people remain uncertain. As of this writing, details on implementation, pending cases, and the scope of exceptions are still being clarified. The policy's fate may ultimately depend on legal challenges and further guidance from USCIS and DHS.