06/04/2026
🇺🇸 DHS has clarified USCIS statements suggesting that individuals applying for a Green Card inside the U.S. would be required to go through consular processing, except in “extraordinary” cases.
DHS now states that this is not a full rollback of adjustment of status and that most immigrants should not automatically be required to leave the U.S. to obtain a Green Card.
✅ According to a DHS spokesperson, this was a “reminder” to USCIS officers of their discretionary authority, which already existed. The decision on whether a person must process inside the U.S. or through consular processing will allegedly continue to be made on a case-by-case basis.
USCIS spokesperson Zac Kaler stated that while the agency is working on implementing new measures, applicants who provide economic value or otherwise meet national interest considerations will likely be able to continue their current path.
❗️ In a statement to CBS News, DHS said this policy “will not prevent any foreign national who lawfully and properly meets the requirements from obtaining a Green Card”.
DHS also stated that the new policy “will not have a noticeable impact on highly skilled applicants and qualified professionals who have complied with the law.” According to the agency, such individuals contribute to the U.S. economy and national interest and will continue to merit favorable discretionary treatment by USCIS.
⚠️ It is still unclear what USCIS will define as “economic value.” The “national interest” language may overlap with EB-2 NIW cases or other petitions where benefit to the U.S. can be demonstrated, but there are no clear standards yet.
USCIS officers have already begun asking applicants at interviews why they are filing for a Green Card in the U.S. and whether there are any circumstances preventing them from processing in their home country.
👉 Those at risk include individuals with overstays or other status violations. If they are required to go through consular processing, they may face a 3- or 10-year bar on reentry to the U.S.