USCIS Ends In-Country Adjustment of Status for Green Cards
Key Questions
What major change is USCIS implementing for green card applications?
Most applicants will now be required to pursue consular processing abroad instead of adjusting status in the United States.
How will ending in-country adjustment of status affect applicants?
The policy reversal is expected to cause family separations, longer backlogs, and prompt legal challenges.
Why is USCIS shifting away from in-country green card adjustments?
The change aligns with broader Trump enforcement priorities to tighten immigration processes and increase scrutiny.
What legal issues are anticipated from this USCIS policy shift?
Millions could be impacted, leading to expected lawsuits challenging the reversal of longstanding adjustment practices.
When does the new consular processing requirement take effect?
The major policy update is rolling out in 2026 and applies to most green card applicants currently in the US.
Major policy shift requires consular processing abroad for most green-card applicants, reversing longstanding practice. Affects millions with family separation, backlogs, and expected legal challenges under Trump enforcement agenda.