Blow to Kenyans Seeking US Green Cards as Trump Administration Announces New Rules

The administration of Donald Trump has announced a major change that could affect foreigners applying for green cards in the United States.

In a memo dated Friday, May 23, 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said most people seeking permanent residency may now be required to apply from outside the United States instead of completing the process while already living in the country.

In the policy memo, USCIS said approval of an adjustment of status depends on the government and should not replace the normal visa application process done through embassies and consulates.

“This memorandum reminds officers and the public that adjustment of status under Section 245 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is a matter of discretion and administrative grace and is not designed to supersede the regular consular processing of immigrant visas,” read part of the memo.

Green Card Application Rules Changed

According to the memo, for many years, foreigners already in the United States on temporary visas have been able to apply for green cards without returning to their home countries. This process is known as adjustment of status.

Also Read: Trump Govt Issues Fresh Update on Green Card Applications Affecting Kenyans and Other Countries

However, the new policy says the government now wants most immigrants to use the normal visa application process through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.

Tougher Review on Immigration Rule Breakers

The memo, issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, says adjustment of status should only be granted in special cases and is not an automatic right.

USCIS officers have also been directed to closely examine applicants who violated immigration rules, overstayed visas, worked without permission, or gave false information to immigration authorities.

Also Read: Trump Suspends Green Card Lottery Program

According to the memo, people who enter the United States temporarily are generally expected to leave once their permitted stay ends. The agency said applying for permanent residency from inside the country may go against that expectation unless there are exceptional reasons.

The Trump administration argued that the regular consular process outside the United States should remain the main pathway for immigrants seeking green cards.

The new guidance could force many applicants to travel back to their home countries for interviews and visa processing before they can become permanent residents.

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President Donald Trump speaking about Iran war from the Cross Hall of the White House on Wednesday April 1,2026 in Washington
PHOTO/White House Gallery