Story perspectives

Trump Administration Closes Adjustment-of-Status Loophole, Requires Abroad Visas

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

The new policy forces temporary entrants to obtain immigrant visas abroad, closing the adjustment-of-status loophole.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said adjustment of status under Section 245(a) must be completed abroad.
President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirsten Mullin said the rule enforces immigration law and protects national security.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow noted a 1.5 million asylum backlog he blames on the prior administration’s lax border policies.

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Story summary

The new policy forces temporary entrants to obtain immigrant visas abroad, closing the adjustment-of-status loophole.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said adjustment of status under Section 245(a) must be completed abroad.
President Donald Trump and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirsten Mullin said the rule enforces immigration law and protects national security.
USCIS Director Joseph Edlow noted a 1.5 million asylum backlog he blames on the prior administration’s lax border policies.