2026 Green Card Alert: US Tightens Rules with 75-Country Ban Affecting EB-3 Applicants

Recent US immigration policy developments have culminated in restrictions affecting nationals from 75 countries, marking one of the most sweeping changes to entry and green card eligibility in recent years. The recap, widely circulated in the USCIS community, consolidates multiple executive and administrative actions that have taken effect or are pending implementation in 2026. For EB-3 applicants, the policy changes are particularly consequential. Individuals from countries included in the ban may face additional scrutiny, delays, or outright bars on adjusting status, depending on their nationality and current immigration stage. Applicants already in the pipeline are advised to consult their attorneys to assess whether their cases are affected. The update also touches on broader green card regulation tightening in 2026, including new questions added to the I-485 form and revised DHS guidance on spousal green cards. These changes add procedural complexity for applicants across all employment-based categories. Community members are urged to stay informed through official USCIS channels and verified legal sources, as misinformation and fraudulent immigration services have been reported in the wake of these announcements. Anyone who has paid fees to companies that have since become unresponsive should report the situation to relevant authorities. With USCIS processing time updates expected for June 2026, applicants are encouraged to monitor official bulletins closely and verify their case status regularly to avoid missing critical deadlines or requests for evidence.