23.5.2026
Nigerians and other nationals seeking for green cards to remain in the USA have been ordered to return home and reapply for the document which guarantees their stay in the America.
According to a statement by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the policy was aimed at restoring what it described as the “original intent” of US immigration law.
USCIS spokesman Zach Kahler said the policy would help reduce the number of migrants remaining illegally in the country after unsuccessful residency applications.
The statement noted that, except in extraordinary circumstances, foreigners seeking adjustment of status would now be required to process their residency applications through US consular offices abroad under the supervision of the United States Department of State.
“We’re returning to the original intent of the law to ensure aliens navigate our nation’s immigration system properly. From now on, an alien who is in the U.S. temporarily and wants a Green Card must return to their home country to apply, except in extraordinary circumstances.”
“This policy allows our immigration system to function as the law intended instead of incentivising loopholes. When aliens apply from their home country, it reduces the need to find and remove those who decide to slip into the shadows and remain in the U.S. illegally after being denied residency,” Kahler said.
The agency explained that the policy would particularly affect temporary visitors such as students, tourists, and workers who enter the U.S. on nonimmigrant visas.
“Nonimmigrants, like students, temporary workers, or people on tourist visas, come to the U.S. for a short time and for a specific purpose. Our system is designed for them to leave when their visit is over. Their visit should not function as the first step in the Green Card process,” the statement added.
