05/27/2026
The Friday before Memorial Day weekend, USCIS quietly released a policy memo that changed the rules for getting a green card inside the United States — and it applies to applications already pending.
The short version: adjustment of status is no longer treated as a standard step in the immigration process. Officers now have broad authority to deny your case even if you meet every eligibility requirement.
A few things people are getting wrong about this:
-The memo does NOT mean you must leave the U.S. to get a green card. But it does mean you now have to prove why staying is justified.
-Having an H-1B or other dual-intent visa helps — but does not exempt you. The memo includes a specific footnote saying dual-intent status alone is not enough to earn approval.
-Pending I-485 applications are affected immediately. There was no grace period.
This article is a full breakdown of what PM-602-0199 actually says, who is most affected, and what steps to take right now to protect your case.
On May 22, 2026, USCIS publicly released Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, changing how officers evaluate every green card application filed inside the United States. If you have a pending I-485 or are planning to file, this affects you immediately — includi
