New USCIS Policy on Green Card Applications Filed Within the United States (Adjustment of Status)
June 3, 2026
A new USCIS policy issued on May 21, 2026, significantly changes how green card applications filed within the U.S. (Adjustment of Status) are decided.
What you need to know:
- Higher Standard: Green cards through adjustment of status are now treated as an extraordinary benefit, making consular processing abroad the default option.
- More Scrutiny: Simply meeting legal requirements isn't enough. Officers will heavily weigh positive and negative factors (like family ties, immigration history, and moral character) to decide your case.
- Dual Intent Visas: Having an H-1B or L-1 visa no longer guarantees approval.
If you have applied or plan to apply for a green card, these changes could affect you. We highly recommend consulting an attorney to review your strategy.
Click below to review the full details:
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Si usted es un inmigrante indocumentado y planea viajar dentro de Estados Unidos, es importante conocer los posibles riesgos migratorios antes de salir.
If you are undocumented and plan to travel within the United States, it is important to understand the potential immigration risks before you leave.
If you hold a temporary U.S. visa and plan to travel within the United States, it is important to understand your immigration status before you leave.
Si usted tiene una visa temporal y planea viajar dentro de Estados Unidos
Si usted es titular de una Green Card y planea viajar dentro de Estados Unidos
Traveling within the United States as a lawful permanent resident may seem straightforward