05/31/2026
“Actually, Most Immigrants Won’t Need to Leave U.S. to Get Green Cards, D.H.S. Says” — The New York Times
An important update following last week’s USCIS AOS memo. According to the article, DHS clarified that the memo was not intended as a blanket requirement for all green card applicants to leave the United States and that officers continue to exercise discretion on a case-by-case basis.
Current takeaway: Adjustment of Status has not been eliminated, but USCIS appears to be placing greater emphasis on discretionary review and case-by-case analysis.
But details remained scant after officials said last week that, with “extraordinary” exceptions, people seeking permanent residency must first leave the country.