U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) changed the adjustment of status rules on May 22, 2026. The new policy mandates individuals apply for a green card outside of the United States.  According to the New York Times, the announcement caused confusion among green card applicants. Particularly affected are individuals married to U.S. citizens seeking permanent residency. Most individuals in this category apply while they’re in the U.S.

Change Details

The most significant change from the USCIS memo is only allowing green card applications filed by individuals outside the United States. Additionally, USCIS officers are now being told to look at an individual’s case as a whole and ask whether they should grant it or whether they should make them go abroad and apply through a consulate. They’re weighing factors on both sides.

Impact

This is a real shift. For many decades, adjusting status inside the U.S. has been the standard option for people who are already here lawfully. The law itself hasn’t changed. What’s changed is how USCIS officers are being told to think about your case. Not having anything negative isn’t enough.

The policy removes a commonly used loophole for green card applicants. Among the 1.4 million green cards issued in 2024, eight-hundred-thousand recipients were in the U.S. for the duration of green card processing. The new rule will reduce the volume of green card applicants.

As always, Immigration USA actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, we’re with you every step of the way.