Changes to the United States immigration process in 2026 have a significant effect on visas, green cards, and the citizenship process. The changes could affect thousands of families and individuals. The overhaul of immigration practices and new regulatory proposals are tightening eligibility for asylum and scrutinizing students, families, and workers. The USCIS and DHS have issued new regulations and presidential executive orders regarding who can enter, live in, or become a permanent resident of the United States. The Electronic Visa Update System for Chinese nationals and the Electronic System for Travel Authorization may be affected due to fee adjustments based on rising inflation.
Immigration Restrictions
On January 1, 2026, an expanded travel ban covering 39 countries took effect. It expands on the proclamation issued by the White House in June 2025. The order places restrictions on some foreign nationals based on immigration integrity, national security, and public safety. Nationals from 19 countries are banned from obtaining immigrant and non-immigrant visas. New visas will not be issued for new visitor (B1, B2), students (F, M), exchange (J) visas, and reductions in visa terms for non-immigrants, including employment visas, apply as of January 1, 2026.
The president consults with the U.S. Congress to establish the number of refugees who may be admitted to the United States for the fiscal year. New policies are expected to have an impact on immigrants, employers, and universities. The Refugee Admissions Cap, set at 7,500, is the lowest since the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program started in 1980. The current administration will increase the number of immigrants deported, decrease immigration, and limit the hiring of immigrants with H-1B visas. A presidential proclamation has added a $100,000 fee on specific new H-1B visa petitions.
A December 16, 2025, proclamation prohibits United States citizens from sponsoring a parent, sibling, or child from 39 countries. The ban on the immediate relatives of United States Citizens is expected to reduce the number of legal immigrants by 200,000.
Under the White House proclamation issued on December 16, 2025, existing travel restrictions have expanded to include a ban on documents issued by Palestinian authorities. The new restrictions apply to foreign nationals who don’t have a valid visa and are outside the United States. Individuals from these countries are subject to entry restrictions. They will not have the option to seek permanent residence in the United States through immigrant visas or temporary, non-immigrant visas for study, tourism, or work.
Partial restrictions are in effect for foreign nationals from 19 countries that have been added to the list for 2026. Nationals from these countries aren’t eligible for immigrant visas, and some non-immigrant visa categories that include F, M, J, student/exchange visas, and B-2/B-2 visitor visas. Changes and exceptions apply to the Full Restrictions and Entry Limitations Proclamation. Foreign nationals in specific categories are exempted from the full and partial restrictions.
Green Cards
A foreign national with Lawful Permanent Resident Status is a Green Card holder who can legally live and work permanently in the United States. They may apply for citizenship and obtain a Permanent Resident Card, which must be renewed every 10 years. Dual nationals from an affected country may travel with a passport issued by an undesignated country. World Cup coaches, athletes, staff, and immediate family members traveling for the competition aren’t affected. Certain long-term United States government employees and diplomats are exempted. Religious and ethnic minorities who face persecution from the Iranian government are exempted. Previous exemptions from the June 2025 proclamation are eliminated. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, immigrant visas issued for adoptions, and Afghan Special Immigrant visas no longer have exemptions.
