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7 Things Every Immigrant on a Temporary Visa Needs to Know About the New USCIS Green Card Rule
On May 22, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) dropped a policy change that has sent shockwaves through immigrant communities across America and around the world.
The bottom line? Most immigrants on temporary visas who want a green card must now leave the United States and apply from their home country.
Here is everything you need to know right now.
1. What Actually Changed
The old way: For decades, eligible immigrants already inside the United States could apply for a green card through a process called Adjustment of Status (AOS) under Section 245A of the Immigration Nationality Act. They did not have to leave the country.
The new way: USCIS has instructed its officers to treat Adjustment of Status as “an extraordinary form of relief” rather than a standard option. In practical terms, most immigrants on temporary visas must now return to their home country and complete their immigrant visa process at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad.
Why it matters: This shifts the burden from USCIS offices inside the U.S. to consulates overseas—many of which already have massive backlogs.
“In practical terms, the Trump administration is telling immigration officers that many people who enter the U.S. on temporary visas should leave the United States to complete their immigrant visa process abroad.”
— Akua Poku, immigration attorney, AK Poku Law
2. Who Is Affected
The policy applies to most immigrants who are in the United States on temporary (non-immigrant) visas, including:
| Visa Type | Description |
|---|---|
| B-1 / B-2 | Business or tourist visitors |
| F-1 | International students |
| J-1 | Exchange visitors (scholars, trainees, etc.) |
| H-1B | Specialty occupation workers |
| L-1 | Intra-company transferees |
| O-1 | Individuals with extraordinary ability |
| TN | Canadian and Mexican professionals under USMCA |
Who may be exempt: The policy carves out an undefined category called “extraordinary circumstances.” No one yet knows what that means.
Who is NOT affected: Immigrants who already have a green card, U.S. citizens, and certain categories like asylum seekers or victims of crime (U visa or T visa applicants) may see different treatment—though USCIS says the policy will free up resources for those cases.
3. What ‘Extraordinary Circumstances’ Might Mean (Nobody Knows Yet)
USCIS has not defined this phrase. That is a major problem for immigrants and their lawyers.
Speculation among immigration attorneys includes:
- Serious medical conditions that prevent international travel
- Extreme hardship to a U.S. citizen spouse or child
- National security or public safety concerns
- Humanitarian emergencies
What it does NOT include (likely): Wanting to keep your job, avoiding consular backlogs, or not wanting to leave your children.
“The policy does not define what qualifies as extraordinary circumstances.”
— USCIS announcement, May 22, 2026
Bottom line: Do not assume you qualify. Assume you will have to leave unless a qualified immigration attorney tells you otherwise.
4. Why the Administration Says This Is Happening
USCIS Director Joseph Edlo stated that the Trump administration wants to restore what he calls “a clear divide between temporary visas and permanent immigration.”
The agency has also offered a resource-allocation justification:
USCIS spokesman Zach Koehler said the new policy “will allow USCIS to focus more resources on other case types, including:
- Naturalization applications
- Visas for victims of violent crime (U visas)
- Other agency priorities
Critics say: This simply shifts the workload to overburdened U.S. consulates abroad, creating longer waits and more uncertainty, not efficiency.
5. What This Means for Families
This is where policy meets human lives.
Consider these scenarios:
| Scenario | Consequence |
|---|---|
| An F-1 student who graduated and got a job offer | Must leave the U.S., return to their home country, and apply for a green card from there—possibly losing the job offer. |
| A spouse of a U.S. citizen on a tourist visa | Must leave the U.S. and apply from their home country, separating from their spouse for months or years. |
| A temporary worker with U.S.-citizen children | Must choose between leaving their children or abandoning their green card application. |
| Someone with a medical condition or elderly parent abroad | May not qualify for “extraordinary circumstances” at all. |
The core question: Can you leave? Can you afford to be away? Can your family survive without you? Will your job wait?
For many, the answer to one or more of these questions is no.
6. The Legal Landscape: Expect Challenges
Here is what has not changed: The law itself.
Section 245A of the Immigration Nationality Act still exists. It still says that eligible immigrants inside the United States may apply for Adjustment of Status without leaving.
What changed: USCIS guidance interpreting that law.
Why that matters: Agency guidance can be challenged in court. Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups are almost certain to file lawsuits arguing that USCIS has overstepped its authority by effectively nullifying a statutory pathway.
What to watch for:
- Emergency injunctions asking courts to block the policy
- Congressional oversight hearings
- Potential reinterpretation or rollback if administration changes
But be warned: Legal challenges take time—often years. Do not assume a future court victory protects you today.
7. What You Should Do Right Now (Practical Steps)
If you are in the United States on a temporary visa and were planning to apply for a green card through Adjustment of Status, here is a checklist:
Step 1: Do NOT assume you are grandfathered in
The guidance applies immediately to new applications. For pending applications, speak to an attorney.
Step 2: Consult a qualified U.S. immigration attorney immediately
Do not rely on social media advice. This is a high-stakes situation.
Step 3: Document everything
If you believe you have “extraordinary circumstances,” start gathering medical records, hardship statements, and other evidence now.
Step 4: Consider your timeline
If you are close to filing, you may need to decide whether to attempt AOS (with high risk of denial) or prepare to leave.
Step 5: Prepare for consular processing
Assume you will need to apply from your home country. Check the backlog at your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Some have waits of 12–24 months or more.
Step 6: Do not make sudden travel plans without legal advice
Leaving the U.S. triggers its own risks, including possible bars to reentry if you have overstayed any visa or violated any terms.
Step 7: Stay informed
Follow USCIS announcements and reputable immigration news sources. This policy could be modified, clarified, or blocked at any time.
Final Takeaway
The new USCIS guidance has fundamentally shifted the ground beneath millions of immigrants in the United States. What was once a standard pathway—applying for a green card without leaving—is now an “extraordinary” exception.
Until courts weigh in or the administration provides clarity, most temporary visa holders who want permanent residency must plan to leave the country they now call home and apply from a distance.
For many, that means an impossible choice between family, career, and the American dream.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies change rapidly. Always consult with a qualified immigration attorney before making any decisions about your status.
Few dishes capture the warmth of a Ghanaian home quite like a pot of leafy green stew simmering on the stove, filling the kitchen with the aroma of tomatoes, spices and familiar ingredients.
Kontomire stew and Palawa stew are two beloved Ghanaian dishes that turn humble leaves into deeply satisfying meals, while okro stew offers another local favourite with its distinctive texture and flavour.
Kontomire stew takes its name from kontomire, the Ghanaian term for cocoyam leaves. These leafy greens are cooked with tomatoes, onions, pepper and other seasonings, often with egusi — ground melon seeds that add richness and a slightly nutty taste.
Depending on the household, ingredients such as smoked fish, salted fish or eggs may also find their way into the pot, creating a hearty stew packed with flavour.
Served with boiled yam, plantain, rice or cocoyam, kontomire stew is a familiar presence on Ghanaian dining tables. Its earthy taste, gentle bitterness and rich texture make it especially comforting.
Palawa stew, which shares similarities with kontomire stew, brings its own character to the plate. Alongside cocoyam leaves, cooks may use spinach and amaranth leaves, also known as callaloo in some Caribbean cuisines. Egusi can be added for extra body and flavour. The combination produces a nourishing, leafy stew whose precise ingredients often depend on family traditions and what is available locally.
Then there is okro stew, made with okra, a vegetable known for releasing a natural substance that gives the dish its characteristic thick, slightly slippery texture. Often prepared with tomatoes, pepper, fish or meat, it is enjoyed with banku, kenkey or other Ghanaian staples.
Beyond their comforting flavours, these stews provide leafy vegetables or okra, contributing fibre, vitamins and minerals to everyday meals.
Whether it is the earthy richness of kontomire, the leafy goodness of Palawa or the unmistakable texture of okro, these dishes celebrate Ghanaian cooking at its most resourceful, nourishing and delicious.
For children, a good weekend can be as simple as racing a friend, climbing onto a play structure or waiting excitedly for the next ride.
At Calabo Playground in East Legon, those small moments are at the heart of the experience.
Located on Mensah Wood Street, Calabo is a soft play and playground designed for children aged 3 to 10, giving families a dedicated space where young children can stay active, socialise and enjoy unstructured play in a secure environment.
One of the attractions is the chance to climb into a canoe and race against friends—a playful competition that can quickly turn an ordinary afternoon into a hunt for bragging rights.
Children can also explore a range of indoor and outdoor equipment, with activities including a sliding pool and train rides.
The playground is particularly suited to Accra families looking for something different from spending weekends indoors. School holidays also bring an opportunity for children to spend more time playing, learning and interacting with others.
Beyond the equipment, Calabo offers a setting for children to build confidence and friendships through play. Parents can also organise parties, while homemade snacks add to the family-friendly experience.
Entry is priced from GH¢30 per hour, making it an accessible option for families seeking a few hours of entertainment without committing to a full-day outing. Calabo operates on weekends and during school holidays, so families should plan their visits around those opening periods.
For visitors to Accra travelling with young children, Calabo offers a glimpse of the city’s family leisure scene. For local parents, it is a simple invitation to let the children run, race, laugh and play.
Few dishes capture the warmth of a Ghanaian kitchen quite like tomato stew — a deeply savoury, gently sweet sauce where ripe tomatoes, caramelised onions, spices and oil come together in a pot full of comfort.
For many Ghanaians, tomato stew is more than a sauce. It is the foundation for countless familiar meals, spooned generously over rice, boiled yam, fried plantain, potatoes and other everyday favourites. Its bold red colour and rich aroma can turn a simple plate into something memorable.
The secret starts with the oil. A neutral oil that can withstand heat helps draw out the flavours of ground spices while giving the onions room to caramelise properly.
Then comes the onion — one of the quiet stars of the dish. As it cooks, its complex carbohydrates break down into simpler sugars, bringing natural sweetness. The heat also encourages the Maillard reaction, creating flavour compounds that give the stew its characteristic depth.
Tomatoes provide the bright, slightly acidic heart of the sauce. Roma or Italian tomatoes are a good choice because they tend to be less acidic and naturally sweet.
When fresh tomatoes are out of season, canned tomatoes can work beautifully too. If the tomatoes are particularly sour, a tiny pinch of baking soda can help soften the acidity.
And then there are the spices: cloves, anise seeds, calabash nutmeg and other warm aromatics that give Ghanaian cooking its unmistakable fragrance.
It is this balance of sweetness, savouriness, spice and acidity that makes Ghanaian tomato stew so beloved — and well worth discovering.
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