Sen. Gallego Seeks GAO Review of USCIS Policy on Adjustment of Status

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Senator Ruben Gallego has formally requested a legal opinion from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) regarding a USCIS policy memo issued in May 2026. The memo describes adjustment of status as an “extraordinary discretionary relief” when consular processing is available, raising questions about its classification under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). This determination could allow Congress to review and potentially overturn the policy.

Gallego argues that the memo signifies a major shift from established adjustment-of-status practices, which could lead many applicants to opt for immigrant visa processing abroad instead of applying for permanent residency from within the United States. He highlights that this policy change could affect hundreds of thousands of immigrants and their families annually, as Congress intended adjustment of status to be a standard pathway for eligible applicants already in the country.

RubenGallego on US Immigration, Explained Daily

Sen. Gallego Seeks GAO Review of USCIS Policy on Adjustment of Status