New USCIS Adjustment of Status Policy Memo: What Green Card Applicants Should Know

New USCIS Policy Memo on Adjustment of Status: What I-485 Applicants Should Know

On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 regarding Adjustment of Status, also known as Form I-485. USCIS publicly announced the memo on May 22, 2026. This new guidance is important for immigrants applying for a Green Card from inside the United States, especially families using adjustment of status after a marriage petition, family petition, fiancé visa, work visa, or other immigration process.

At Madrazo Villarreal APC, our Chula Vista immigration law firm helps families across San Diego County, South Bay, National City, San Ysidro, Imperial Beach, and Southern California understand complex USCIS changes and prepare strong immigration cases.

What Is Adjustment of Status?

Adjustment of Status is the process that allows certain people already inside the United States to apply for lawful permanent residence, or a Green Card, without leaving the country for consular processing abroad. Many applicants file Form I-485 after an approved or pending family petition, marriage-based Green Card case, employment petition, or other qualifying immigration category.

Common adjustment of status cases include:

• Marriage Green Cards

• Family petitions

• Fiancé visa cases after marriage

• Employment-based Green Cards

• Adjustment after lawful entry

• Green Card applications with waivers

• USCIS interviews and Requests for Evidence

What Changed With the May 2026 USCIS Memo?

The new USCIS memo emphasizes that adjustment of status is a discretionary benefit, not an automatic approval. This means that even if an applicant appears to meet the basic eligibility requirements, USCIS officers may still review the full case history before deciding whether to approve the Green Card.

According to USCIS, officers are directed to consider all relevant facts on a case-by-case basis. USCIS also describes adjustment of status as an extraordinary form of relief compared to the regular immigrant visa process through a U.S. consulate abroad.

For applicants, this means documentation, immigration history, lawful entry, prior status, family ties, hardship, good moral character, and the overall strength of the case may become even more important.

Who Could Be Affected?

This policy memo may affect people applying for Adjustment of Status I-485 inside the United States, including applicants with:

• Prior overstays or immigration violations

• Unauthorized employment

• Past visa issues

• Prior denials or removal history

• Complicated entry or parole history

• Marriage-based Green Card cases

• Family-based immigration petitions

• Employment-based immigration cases

• Waiver-related Green Card applications

Not every case is the same. A person with a clean immigration history may have a different risk level than someone with prior violations, missed deadlines, or complicated facts. That is why it is important to speak with an experienced immigration attorney in Chula Vista before filing or responding to USCIS.

What Should Green Card Applicants Do Now?

If you are applying for adjustment of status, preparing a marriage Green Card case, or waiting for an I-485 decision, this is a good time to review your case carefully.

Applicants should gather strong evidence, including proof of lawful entry, family relationship documents, marriage evidence, tax records, employment history, immigration notices, and any documents related to prior immigration issues. If USCIS sends a Request for Evidence, Notice of Intent to Deny, or interview notice, it is important to respond carefully and on time.

A well-prepared case can help show USCIS why the applicant qualifies and why approval is appropriate under the facts of the case.

Chula Vista Adjustment of Status Attorney

Madrazo Villarreal APC provides bilingual immigration legal services in English and Spanish for families in Chula Vista, San Diego County, and the South Bay. Our firm assists with Green Cards, adjustment of status, Form I-485, marriage petitions, family petitions, fiancé visas, consular processing, waivers, citizenship, and USCIS interviews.

If you are worried about the new USCIS Adjustment of Status policy memo, our team can review your case, explain your options, and help you prepare the strongest possible immigration strategy.

Se habla español. Contact Madrazo Villarreal APC today to schedule an immigration consultation with a bilingual immigration attorney in Chula Vista.