A recent memo from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has created significant confusion regarding the process for green-card applications in the United States. Released just before Memorial Day, the memo suggests that individuals on temporary visas should leave the country for consular processing to obtain permanent residency. This has led to fears among applicants, particularly those who have overstayed their visas, about potential rejections of their applications. Despite alarming interpretations circulating on social media, immigration experts assert that eligible individuals can still apply for green cards without leaving the U.S. They emphasize that the memo's ambiguity is likely intentional, aiming to instill fear rather than enforce a strict policy change. Historical data shows that a majority of new permanent residencies are granted through status adjustments, underscoring the significance of this process. Legal experts warn that the memo could lead to increased scrutiny of applications but does not represent a formal prohibition. The Trump administration's immigration policies have often relied on vague language, fostering uncertainty and anxiety among applicants.