Connect with us

Tourism

7 Things Every Immigrant on a Temporary Visa Needs to Know About the New USCIS Green Card Rule

Published

on

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 TypeDescription
B-1 / B-2Business or tourist visitors
F-1International students
J-1Exchange visitors (scholars, trainees, etc.)
H-1BSpecialty occupation workers
L-1Intra-company transferees
O-1Individuals with extraordinary ability
TNCanadian 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:

ScenarioConsequence
An F-1 student who graduated and got a job offerMust 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 visaMust 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 childrenMust choose between leaving their children or abandoning their green card application.
Someone with a medical condition or elderly parent abroadMay 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.

Sights and Sounds

From Fantasy Coffins to Sunset by the Sea: Exploring Accra’s Living Art Scene

Published

on

By

The best way to understand Accra isn’t from behind the window of a tour bus. It is on foot, where every street, gallery and workshop reveals another layer of Ghana’s artistic identity.

An afternoon culture walk through the capital offers precisely that opportunity, bringing visitors face to face with traditions that continue to shape the country’s creative landscape.

The journey begins in the city’s thriving arts community, where contemporary galleries showcase paintings, sculptures and mixed-media works by Ghanaian and African artists. These spaces are more than exhibition venues.

They are meeting points for ideas, where established names and emerging talents challenge perceptions of African art while celebrating stories rooted in local experience.

One of the tour’s most memorable stops introduces visitors to one of Ghana’s most distinctive artistic traditions: fantasy coffins.

At first glance, the brightly coloured creations may seem surprising. Fashioned into forms ranging from fish and cocoa pods to cameras, aeroplanes and animals, they reflect the life, profession, achievements or aspirations of the deceased.

Originating among the Ga people of southern Ghana, fantasy coffins have become internationally recognised as remarkable examples of functional art.

They represent a cultural belief that death is not an ending but a continuation of life’s journey, where individuality deserves to be honoured with imagination and craftsmanship.

Today, these extraordinary works are admired in museums and exhibitions around the world while remaining deeply connected to the communities that created them.

As the walk continues, visitors gain an appreciation for Accra’s ability to blend tradition with modern creativity.

Murals brighten neighbourhood walls, independent studios nurture young designers and artists, and conversations with local guides provide context that cannot be found in travel brochures.

Every stop becomes an invitation to understand not only the artwork itself but also the people and cultural values behind it.

The experience concludes in a quieter setting beside the Atlantic Ocean. As the afternoon fades into evening, guests gather at a beach club to enjoy a locally inspired drink while watching the sun sink below the horizon.

The relaxed atmosphere offers time to reflect on the day’s discoveries, with the rhythm of the waves replacing the bustle of the city.

For international travellers, the culture walk presents an accessible introduction to Ghana beyond its famous landmarks.

Rather than focusing solely on monuments or museums, it celebrates creativity as a living, evolving part of everyday life.

In a city where art appears in galleries, workshops, public spaces and even funeral traditions, walking becomes more than a way to get around. It becomes a journey through the imagination, resilience and cultural richness that continue to define Accra.

Continue Reading

Sights and Sounds

Above the Capital: Discovering Accra Through a Hot Air Balloon Adventure

Published

on

By

Cities reveal their true character from the ground, but they tell an entirely different story from the sky.

Imagine watching the first rays of sunlight wash over Accra’s coastline, the city’s skyline gradually coming to life, while a colourful hot air balloon drifts quietly above it all.

It is a perspective few people have experienced—one that could redefine how visitors discover Ghana’s bustling capital.

Known for its energetic markets, lively beaches, historic landmarks and thriving arts scene, Accra has long attracted travellers seeking authentic West African experiences. Yet most adventures unfold at street level.

A hot air balloon tour introduces a fresh dimension, replacing traffic noise with silence and transforming familiar neighbourhoods into a sweeping landscape of colour, architecture and coastline.

Unlike helicopters or sightseeing planes, hot air balloons move gently with the wind, creating a calm and immersive journey. There is no rush from one attraction to another.

Instead, passengers are encouraged to slow down and appreciate the city’s geography, from the Atlantic shoreline stretching into the distance to the mosaic of homes, business districts, and green spaces that define modern Accra.

The experience also highlights how tourism continues to evolve in Ghana. Travellers increasingly seek memorable activities rather than simply checking landmarks off an itinerary.

Experiences that combine adventure, photography, and storytelling have become particularly attractive to younger visitors and international tourists looking for something distinctive.

Viewed from above, Accra reveals striking contrasts. Contemporary developments stand alongside historic communities, while busy roads weave towards the coast where fishing traditions continue much as they have for generations.

This aerial perspective offers more than beautiful scenery; it tells the story of a city balancing rapid growth with enduring cultural identity.

For photographers and content creators, a balloon flight provides an unrivalled canvas. The changing light, expansive horizons, and uninterrupted views create opportunities to capture images rarely seen in travel brochures. Every journey becomes unique, shaped by weather conditions, the direction of the wind, and the time of day.

As Ghana works to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations, experiences like hot air balloon tours reflect a growing emphasis on experiential travel.

Visitors are no longer satisfied with simply seeing a destination—they want to feel connected to it in unexpected ways.

Floating above Accra offers precisely that connection. It invites travellers to pause, look beyond the city’s busy rhythm and appreciate its beauty from an entirely new perspective.

Sometimes the best way to understand a place is not by walking its streets, but by quietly rising above them.

Continue Reading

Taste GH

A Food Lover’s Guide to Ghana’s Best Street Eats

Published

on

By

The quickest way to understand Ghana isn’t by visiting a museum—it’s by following the irresistible aroma drifting from a busy roadside food stall.

Across the country, street food is more than a convenient meal; it is a celebration of community, tradition and unforgettable flavours.

A perfect place to begin is waakye, Ghana’s famous combination of rice and beans cooked with sorghum leaves.

Served with spicy black pepper sauce, fried plantain, boiled eggs, spaghetti, gari and tender meat or fish, every plate offers a satisfying mix of textures and flavours that keeps people coming back for more.

Another favourite is kelewele, cubes of ripe plantain seasoned with ginger, garlic and chilli before being fried until caramelised.

Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, its sweet-and-spicy aroma fills the evening streets, making it one of Ghana’s most-loved snacks. Plantains also provide fibre, potassium and vitamins that support overall health.

Meat lovers should not leave without tasting chichinga, Ghana’s version of grilled kebabs. Coated in a fragrant blend of spices and cooked over glowing charcoal, the smoky flavour is impossible to resist. It is a familiar sight at roadside grills, especially after sunset.

For breakfast, many Ghanaians turn to koko and koose.

The warm millet porridge, lightly spiced with ginger and cloves, pairs beautifully with crispy bean fritters, creating a nourishing meal rich in fibre and plant-based protein.

No street food adventure is complete without bofrot. These fluffy fried dough balls, lightly sweetened and golden brown, are enjoyed as a snack with tea or fresh fruit juice and are a favourite at family gatherings and neighbourhood bakeries.

From bustling city corners to small-town markets, Ghana’s street food tells stories of hospitality, heritage and everyday life.

Every bite offers visitors a delicious introduction to the country’s rich culinary identity.

Continue Reading

Trending