Immigration Service May Significantly Restrict Green Cards In The U.S.

LeadershipLeadership StrategiesImmigration Service May Significantly Restrict Green Cards In The U.S.ByStuart Anderson,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Stuart Anderson writes about immigration, business and globalization.Follow AuthorMay 22, 2026, 03:41pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.The USCIS logo and an American flag. A new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services memo may significantly restrict who can obtain a green card in the United States. (el Nuevo Herald)TNS via Getty ImagesA new U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services memo may significantly restrict who can obtain a green card in the United States. A likely goal is to reduce legal immigration by forcing employers, individuals and families to endure long delays at understaffed U.S. consulates and by barring people from reentering the country. Attorneys dispute the memo’s claim that “adjustment of status” in the United States is an exception to the norm of consular processing. In FY 2024, 782,770 of 1,356,760 people (58%) gained immigrant status (permanent residence) through adjustment of status. The memo is expected to require additional guidance and may be challenged in court.Immigration Service Issues Controversial MemoOn May 22, USCIS issued a memo that implies it will significantly restrict who can obtain permanent residence, often known as a green card, by applying for adjustment of status in the United States. “This memorandum reminds officers and the public that adjustment of status under section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act is a matter of discretion and administrative grace not designed to supersede the regular consular processing of immigrant visas. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reaffirms this consistent and longstanding approach and declares as a matter of general policy its intention to faithfully apply the statutes consi...