05/23/2026
USCIS has issued a new policy memorandum that may significantly change how Adjustment of Status applications are reviewed.
As of May 21, 2026, officers are being instructed to place greater emphasis on discretionary analysis when deciding whether to approve a green card application, even when the applicant appears statutorily eligible.
This means immigration history, prior violations, removal proceedings, dismissed criminal allegations, and other discretionary factors may receive increased scrutiny.
For individuals with complex immigration histories, pending court proceedings, parole entries, asylum-based pathways, or prior law enforcement contact, legal strategy and documentation may become more important than ever.
An I-485 case is no longer just about eligibility. It is increasingly about how the overall case is presented, documented, and defended.
If you are considering Adjustment of Status, especially in a more complex case, careful legal evaluation before filing may help identify risks and strengthen the record from the outset.
Quiroz Law
Federal Immigration Litigation • Removal Defense • Habeas Corpus • APA Litigation
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www.quiroz-law.com