Story perspectives

Trump Admin Softens Green Card Rule, Military Families Worried

6/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

After backlash, President Donald Trump’s administration softened its description of a green-card rule that could force applicants to leave.
USCIS issued May 22 guidance directing applicants to apply from their countries, with DHS saying cases will be handled individually.
Pew reported 58 percent of 1.36 million green cards were adjustment-of-status grants.
Lawyers warn the rule could force military families to leave while DHS says the guidance restates law and will not block applicants.

History

Historical Context

President Bill Clinton signed the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act on September 30 1996, effective April 1 1997, expanding expedited removal and raising annual deportations by about 30 percent by 2005. Congress then required the INS to deny adjustment for roughly 1.5 million applicants, a pattern echoed today in USCIS and DHS guidance that tightens green-card processing.

1 of 2

Story summary

After backlash, President Donald Trump’s administration softened its description of a green-card rule that could force applicants to leave.
USCIS issued May 22 guidance directing applicants to apply from their countries, with DHS saying cases will be handled individually.
Pew reported 58 percent of 1.36 million green cards were adjustment-of-status grants.
Lawyers warn the rule could force military families to leave while DHS says the guidance restates law and will not block applicants.

1 / 2