‘The rug pulled out from everyone’: the chaos of Trump’s new green card rules | US immigration
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-05-29 15:49:00 — www.theguardian.com
New USCIS Memo Sparks Fear Among Visa Holders Amid Trump’s Immigration Shift
A recent policy memo from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has ignited confusion and anxiety among hundreds of thousands of visa holders and their families. The memo mandates that many foreigners currently in the U.S. must leave the country to obtain green cards through their home countries, a shift that threatens to disrupt lives built over years.
Uncertainty for Visa Holders
Typically, foreigners seeking permanent residency can apply for a green card either through a U.S. consulate abroad or via a process known as adjustment of status (AOS) while remaining in the U.S. However, the new USCIS memo indicates that many applicants already living in the U.S. may now be required to leave the country while their cases are pending. This change has left many feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their futures.
A spokesperson for USCIS clarified that the agency is "merely restating and reasserting" its interpretation of congressional intent regarding immigration status changes. They added that individuals presenting applications that provide an economic benefit or are in the national interest may continue on their current path, while others might be required to apply abroad based on their specific circumstances.
Trump’s Immigration Pivot
Despite this clarification, the memo reflects a broader immigration strategy shift under Donald Trump, moving from a focus on illegal immigration to targeting legal immigration pathways. This pivot has deepened uncertainty for many foreigners in the U.S.
For instance, a 34-year-old Indian software engineer on an H-1B visa expressed his concerns, stating, “This would mean losing a job and selling our home and maybe not having enough money to restart lives here now that we have kids.” He had invested a significant portion of his savings in the EB-5 investor program, hoping to expedite his green card process, but now fears he may have to return to consular processing, which could jeopardize his family’s stability.
Personal Stories of Distress
The impact of the memo is not just bureaucratic; it is deeply personal. A 30-year-old resident of Portland, Oregon, shared her worries about her husband, who received a conditional green card through the adjustment of status process. “It does feel like if this could change, and the rug pulled out from everyone pursuing immigration correctly and legally, then what promise do we truly have about our position now?” she lamented.
Similarly, a 26-year-old architectural designer from Hong Kong, currently living in New York City, noted that the memo has disrupted his long-term plans with his fiancée. “Now that the green card rules have changed, we are doubtful about starting and committing our life in New York City,” he said.
Emotional Toll on Immigrants
The memo is also forcing some immigrants to make difficult personal decisions. A graduate student in Seattle, who is dating a U.S. citizen, explained how the changes have affected her relationship. “These new green card rules have been personally debilitating for me,” she said, highlighting the emotional strain of navigating her visa status while trying to build a future with her partner.
Conclusion
The recent USCIS memo has introduced significant uncertainty for many visa holders in the U.S., reflecting a broader shift in immigration policy under Trump. As individuals grapple with the potential upheaval of their lives, the emotional and practical implications of these changes are profound. The situation underscores the precariousness of legal immigration in the current political climate, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for them and their families.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/29/trump-green-card-rules