An alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) May 22, 2026
This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivizing loopholes.
The era of abusing our nation’s immigration system is over. https://t.co/ofyEYGPDLC
The Trump administration has issued new guidance directing that migrants seeking permanent residency should generally complete the process from their home countries rather than remaining in the United States while awaiting green cards.
The Trump administration is moving to close what it describes as a loophole that has allowed migrants to remain in the United States while awaiting permanent residency.
On Friday, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced new guidance directing immigration officers to treat the transition from temporary to permanent residency status as a process that should generally take place outside the United States.
Under the guidance, individuals seeking lawful permanent residency would typically be required to return to their home country, complete screening procedures and obtain an immigrant visa through the State Department before re-entering as immigrants.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow said the move reinforces the original intent of immigration law.
“Under President Trump, USCIS is returning to the original intent of the law and reinforcing the proper distinction between temporary admission and permanent residence. Aliens who come to the United States temporarily and later seek permanent residency should pursue an immigrant visa through the proper channels in their home countries before being admitted as immigrants,” Edlow said.
USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler added that the policy would prevent migrants from exploiting gaps in the system.
“This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivizing loopholes. When aliens apply from their home country, it reduces the need to find and remove those who decide to slip into the shadows and remain in the U.S. illegally after being denied residency,” Kahler said.
The guidance allows exceptions only in extraordinary circumstances, with vetting conducted on a case-by-case basis by USCIS officers.
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