Green Card Must Leave US 2026: Trump Admin Ends Adjustment of Status for Most Applicants

The Trump administration has introduced sweeping new requirements for green card applicants in the United States, marking one of the most significant shifts in immigration policy in recent years. According to a Washington Post report, applicants who were previously eligible to adjust their status from within the US are now being directed to complete the process through consular interviews in their home countries. This policy change, reportedly taking effect around May 22, 2026, has caught many EB-3 and other employment-based applicants off guard. Individuals who had pending adjustment of status applications or were planning to file may now be required to depart the US and proceed through a US embassy or consulate abroad — a process known as consular processing. For EB-3 applicants in particular, this represents a major procedural disruption. Adjustment of status has historically allowed foreign workers already in the US on valid visas to finalize their green card without international travel. Being forced into consular processing introduces added uncertainty, travel risks, visa revalidation concerns, and potential delays at overwhelmed consular posts. Reports indicate that six specific groups may still remain eligible to obtain a green card from within the United States, though the exact criteria have not been fully clarified by USCIS. Applicants with pending I-485 filings or those in vulnerable immigration situations should consult an immigration attorney immediately to assess how this policy change affects their specific case. This development underscores the rapidly shifting landscape of US immigration policy in 2026. EB-3 applicants and their employers are strongly advised to monitor USCIS and State Department announcements closely and to take proactive steps to protect their immigration status.