On May 21, the Trump administration largely ended “adjustment of status” for applicants already in the U.S. on temporary visas. Under this directive, most foreign nationals, including temporary workers and students, must now return to their home countries and navigate consular processing through U.S. embassies or consulates to get a green card.

Key Policy Changes

• Mandatory Consular Processing: Applicants can no longer complete the entire green card application process from within the United States.
• USCIS Discretionary Relief: USCIS issued guidance redefining in-country status adjustments as “extraordinary discretionary relief,” creating a significantly higher barrier for approval inside the U.S.
• Exceptions: In-country processing may still be permitted in “extraordinary circumstances” or for individuals who provide an economic benefit, are in the national interest, or fall into categories like “dual intent”.

Who is Impacted

• Temporary workers (such as those on H- visas) and foreign students.
• Spouses of U.S. citizens and Dreamers, who may now face lengthy separation from their families while waiting abroad.
• Individuals who have to leave the U.S. may also face wait times of 12–24 months while their applications are finalized abroad.

Official Resources & Information: Applicants are advised to review the official resources and consult with legal professionals:

• Read the American Immigration Council analysis on the USCIS memo criteria.
• Track processing times and procedural changes directly via the USCIS official portal.