Adjustment of Status Policy Memo

On May 21, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released Policy Memo PM-602-1099 (Policy Memo) that pertains to Adjustment of Status, or the process of applying for a green card from within the U.S., as opposed to applying for a green card at a U.S. consulate abroad. The Policy Memo and corresponding news releases state the intention of USCIS to more carefully scrutinize Adjustment of Status applications to determine if the green card will be granted while the applicant is in the U.S., or if the applicant must pursue a green card at a U.S. consulate abroad.

At this time, it is unclear how USCIS intends to implement this policy and how it will affect, if at all, already filed and pending Adjustment of Status applications. The immigration team at Stevens & Lee will continue to monitor implementation of the Policy Memo. If you have questions related to Adjustment of Status, or immigration generally, please reach out to one of our Immigration and Nationality Practice Co-Chairs Manuela M. Morais or Jeffrey M. Zimskind.