The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a significant policy change regarding the adjustment of status for green card applicants. Effective from May 22, 2026, a new memorandum emphasizes that adjusting status within the U.S. is not a right but a discretionary privilege, potentially requiring applicants to return to their home countries for interviews.
Key Details:
- New policy memorandum PM-602-0199 released on May 21, 2026.
- Adjustment of Status (I-485) is now viewed as a discretionary benefit, not an automatic right.
- Applicants may be required to attend consular interviews abroad, especially if deemed to have negative factors in their cases.
- Factors such as visa violations or overstays may lead to denials of in-country adjustments.
This policy shift raises concerns for many applicants, particularly those on F-1 and H-1B visas, as they may face increased scrutiny and the possibility of lengthy administrative processing if forced to apply from abroad. The implications of this change could significantly impact the immigration landscape for those seeking to adjust their status in the U.S.
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Source: 地里的生活菌