Policy Changes in 2026
Life keeps getting harder for those without green cards. Frequent policy shifts and indefinite processing pauses are widening gaps in critical benefits for our refugee neighbors – many of whom have had green card applications frozen since November of 2025.
Medical benefits end October 1, 2026 for anyone who does not yet have a green card, despite their lawful status.
The importance of a green card can be summed up by a South Sudanese man who attended one of our green card clinics:
“When I have my green card, I will not be worried if someone asks my status in this country, it will be easy for me to show the legal document of my residence. I look forward to being able to travel outside of the U.S. someday,” said a green card clinic participant.
One Middle Eastern couple told us a green card proclaims that there is a future for themselves and their children here in America.
“Having a green card will make me feel safe and stable, because with it I can start on the pathway to being a U.S. Citizen,” said the husband.
Offering Green Card Clinics and Filing Appointments
This year, we have been offering green card clinics to help clients prepare necessary documents, along with education workshops to support them through the complex immigration process. Every participant was scheduled for an appointment with our Immigration Legal Services team to file for lawful permanent residence (a green card) within two weeks, a welcome step forward for people who have been waiting a long time to complete this process.