Trump Administration Blocks In-Country Green Card Applications, Forces Kenyans to Leave US for Consular Processing

Kenyans on temporary visas in the United States now face the prospect of leaving their jobs and separating from families to complete their green card applications, after US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced sweeping changes to how non-immigrants apply for permanent residency.\n\nUnder the revised policy, individuals on temporary visas will generally no longer be able to apply for permanent residency while remaining in the United States. Instead, they must return to their countries of origin and complete the process through US embassies abroad.\n\nUSCIS has recharacterized adjustment of status as \"a discretionary form of relief,\" giving immigration officers broader authority to decide whether applicants may pursue permanent residency domestically. The changes affect an estimated one million pending applications.\n\n## Who Is Hit Hardest\n\nMost temporary visa holders are now directed to consular processing overseas. Certain categories—such as holders of visas with dual intent like the H-1B—may still be eligible to adjust status within the United States, but the majority face mandatory departure.\n\nKenyan nationals applying for family-sponsored green cards, employment-based permanent residency, or through the Diversity Visa Program will be particularly affected. The policy effectively separates applicants from their US-based families and employers during what can be a months-long consular process.\n\nThe policy is expected to increase scrutiny of adjustment of status applications and place additional pressure on US embassies handling visa processing overseas, including the US Embassy in Nairobi. Applicants will face a more demanding review process when seeking discretionary approval to remain in the United States while their cases are pending.\n\n## What Comes Next\n\nThe changes took effect immediately, though USCIS has not announced transition provisions for applicants who filed adjustment of status applications before the policy shift. Families and employers are now weighing the financial and personal costs of having applicants return to Kenya—or other home countries—mid-process, with no guarantee of approval timelines at consular posts abroad.\n\nFor Kenyans in the diaspora, the move represents one of the most disruptive shifts in US immigration policy in recent years, and comes amid broader enforcement actions under the Trump administration. Advocacy groups are expected to challenge the policy, but for now, applicants face an uncertain road to permanent residency.

Reporting drawn from US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Mwakilishi.com.