ISLAMABAD: The Trump administration has introduced a major change to US immigration policy, requiring most foreigners on temporary visas seeking green cards to leave the United States and submit applications from their home countries.
The new rule, announced on May 22, 2026, by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), treats in-country adjustment of status as an exceptional measure available only under extraordinary circumstances. Applicants must now pursue consular processing through US embassies abroad.
US Department of Homeland Security officials stated the policy aligns processing with original legislative intent and closes perceived loopholes in the system.
The move is expected to significantly affect hundreds of thousands of temporary visa holders, including H-1B workers, students, and other non-immigrant categories.
**Pakistani Impact** Pakistani nationals form a substantial portion of those affected. The United States hosts over 500,000 people of Pakistani origin, with thousands on temporary visas pursuing permanent residency through employment or family channels.
Many professionals in technology, healthcare, and engineering sectors, who entered on H-1B or student visas, now face mandatory departure while their green card applications are processed. Processing times for consular processing often exceed 12 to 24 months, depending on backlogs at US consulates in Pakistan.
**Official Statements** A USCIS spokesman described the policy as necessary to enforce immigration law more strictly. “An alien who is in the US temporarily and wants a green card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances,” the statement said.
Pakistani diplomatic sources in Washington indicated they are monitoring the situation closely and have begun engaging with US counterparts regarding potential facilitation for Pakistani applicants.
**Key Figures** USCIS data shows adjustment of status applications have historically accounted for a large share of green cards issued annually. The policy shift could impact over 1.2 million pending employment-based petitions across various nationalities.
For Pakistanis, employment-based green card wait times already stretch several years due to per-country limits. The new requirement adds layers of complexity, including potential re-entry barriers for those with previous overstays or minor violations.
The policy follows an earlier January 2026 suspension of immigrant visa processing for Pakistan and 74 other countries over public charge concerns.
**Background Context** The adjustment of status process has allowed millions of temporary residents to transition to permanent residency without leaving the United States since the 1960s. Between 1986 and 2022, over 20 million individuals adjusted status domestically.
This latest change represents a significant departure, forcing applicants to face consular interviews, medical examinations, and security clearances in their home countries before any approval.
**Reactions** Immigration lawyers and diaspora communities have expressed concern over family separations, job disruptions, and financial burdens. Many professionals fear losing current employment while awaiting approval abroad.
Pakistani-American business groups highlighted potential talent loss for the US tech sector, where Pakistan-origin engineers maintain a notable presence.
US officials maintain the policy prioritises American workers and ensures proper vetting through traditional consular channels.
**Strategic Implications** The tightened rules come amid broader efforts to reform legal immigration pathways. Analysts suggest this could slow skilled migration flows from countries like Pakistan, India, and China, which have traditionally supplied significant numbers of H-1B professionals.
For Pakistan, the policy may encourage greater focus on domestic talent retention and alternative migration destinations. It also raises questions about long-term bilateral cooperation on skilled labour mobility.
Future developments will depend on implementation details, possible legal challenges, and any exemptions granted under the “extraordinary circumstances” clause. Pakistani authorities are expected to provide guidance to affected nationals in coming weeks.
The policy takes effect immediately for new applications, with existing cases likely to face additional scrutiny.