{"id":5919,"date":"2026-05-23T09:04:28","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T09:04:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/?p=5919"},"modified":"2026-05-23T09:04:28","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T09:04:28","slug":"trump-administration-orders-green-card-applicants-to-apply-from-abroad-what-myanmar-nationals-in-the-u-s-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myanmarmuslim.news\/en\/2026\/05\/23\/trump-administration-orders-green-card-applicants-to-apply-from-abroad-what-myanmar-nationals-in-the-u-s-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Trump Administration Orders Green Card Applicants to Apply From Abroad \u2014 What Myanmar Nationals in the U.S. Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Policy Change<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Foreigners in the U.S. who want a green card will need to leave and apply in their home country \u2014 a surprise change to a longstanding policy that has caused confusion and concern among aid groups, immigration lawyers, and immigrants. CBC News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For over half a century, foreign nationals with legal status have been able to apply for and complete the entire process for permanent residence inside the United States \u2014 including people married to U.S. citizens, holders of work and student visas, and refugees and asylum seekers, among others. The Texas Tribune<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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,” said USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler. NBC News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

USCIS said it will grant “adjustment of status” \u2014 the process of obtaining a green card without leaving the U.S. \u2014 only in extraordinary circumstances, on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions are expected to include H-1B “dual intent” visa holders and those with granted asylum or humanitarian protection. Fox News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About 600,000 people already in the U.S. apply each year for a green card, according to a former senior USCIS adviser. The Texas Tribune<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What This Means for Myanmar Nationals in the U.S.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Burmese-language post raises several critical warnings for Myanmar nationals specifically:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Returning to Myanmar to apply is extremely dangerous under current conditions.<\/strong> The changes come on top of steps the administration has already taken to restrict and limit entry for people from dozens of countries. In some cases, there are outright bans on travel from those countries, while others face pauses in visa processing. Experts warned that forcing people from affected countries to return home to apply for a green card could result in them being barred from re-entering the U.S. NPR<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. The 3- and 10-year re-entry bar is a serious risk.<\/strong> Anyone who has ever overstayed a visa in the U.S. faces an automatic 3- or 10-year re-entry ban the moment they depart the country \u2014 meaning returning to Myanmar to apply could permanently cut off their path back to the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Married to a U.S. citizen? You’re not exempt.<\/strong> Among those impacted could be individuals married to U.S. citizens, immigrants with humanitarian protection applying for a green card, and holders of work visas \u2014 including doctors and professionals \u2014 as well as student and religious visa holders. If the visa process takes months or years, families face prolonged separation. CBC News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Legal challenges are underway.<\/strong> Immigration attorney Todd Pomerleau said the Immigration and Nationality Act allows individuals who were legally inspected and admitted into the country to adjust their status from within the U.S., calling the new policy “illegal” and predicting it “will get shut down in court very quickly.” ABC News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Urgent Advice<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the Burmese post strongly urges: do not return to Myanmar and do not take any immigration steps without first consulting a qualified U.S. immigration attorney.<\/strong> Key things to verify immediately:<\/p>\n\n\n\n