05/28/2026
With Memorial Day this week, we honored those who served in the armed forces... Including the many immigrants among them who served while still on their own immigration journey.
There are many different paths for immigrants to become lawful permanent residents and eventually citizens, from adjustment of status to family-based petitions to humanitarian options like the U-Visa. Most pathways require both a lawful entry and a qualifying relationship, generally an immediate family member or a spouse. For people without documentation, there are limited options, including the I-601A provisional waiver, which requires the petitioner to show that a qualifying U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident relative would face extreme hardship.
Recent USCIS policy makes this picture even more complicated. On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, reframing adjustment of status — getting a green card from inside the United States — as an "extraordinary" form of relief rather than the standard pathway Congress created. Officers are now scrutinizing applicants' full immigration histories more closely, including any time out of status or unauthorized work. Our firm believes this policy is unlawful, and we are preparing a class action challenge in federal court.
The pathways for those who want to immigrate or sponsor a loved one — service members included — are still there, but the rules around how they apply are shifting. Picking the right one matters more than ever.
If you or your family are exploring options, our team is here to help.
📞 (314) 961-8200
📩 [email protected]
https://hubs.la/Q04jgR_K0
We Fight For Immigrants. Every Day.
https://hubs.la/Q04jgpNS0
