US immigration policy changes in June 2026 affect green card applicants

Significant changes to U.S. immigration policy are taking effect in June 2026, altering the process for foreigners seeking permanent residency, commonly known as a green card. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued new directives that redefine the "adjustment of status" process, imposing stricter criteria for those attempting to obtain a green card without leaving U.S. territory.

The USCIS now prioritizes the consular process, viewing adjustment of status as an exceptional measure rather than a standard procedure. The agency stated that this mechanism was not intended to replace the consular processing mandated by immigration law. "From now on, a foreigner who is temporarily in the U.S. and wishes to obtain a green card must return to their country of origin to apply for it, except in exceptional circumstances," announced Zach Kahler, a USCIS spokesperson, in an official statement.

Under the new guidelines, individuals who entered the U.S. on tourist, student, or temporary work visas must depart the country upon the expiration of their authorized stay. They can then initiate the green card application process through U.S. consular offices in their home countries. The USCIS indicated that exceptions will be limited and subject to individual review, requiring applicants to demonstrate circumstances justifying an in-U.S. process.

Kahler explained the rationale behind the policy shift: "This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended, rather than encouraging loopholes. When foreigners apply for residency from their country of origin, it reduces the need to locate and deport those who decide to stay illegally in the U.S."

The updated USCIS instructions place particular emphasis on non-immigrant visa holders, as these visas were designed for temporary stays, not as an initial pathway to permanent residency. Remaining in the U.S. to pursue adjustment of status could now be viewed unfavorably during case reviews, with officers empowered to assess whether an applicant's conduct aligns with the declared purpose of their initial entry.