USCIS Mandates Green Card Applications from Abroad

On May 22, 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memo clarifying that foreigners temporarily in the United States seeking a Green Card must do so through consular processing at a Department of State office outside the country.

This memo reiterates existing immigration law and court decisions rather than introducing new legislation. USCIS stated that adjustment of status within the U.S. will only be considered under extraordinary circumstances, with each case reviewed individually.

The categories affected include students, temporary workers, and individuals on tourist visas. USCIS Spokesman Zach Kahler emphasized that temporary visits should not be viewed as a pathway to permanent residency.

The agency aims to streamline resources by routing cases through consular offices abroad, allowing USCIS to focus on other priorities such as visa applications for victims of violent crime and human trafficking, as well as naturalization applications.