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ARTICLE · 01 JULY 2026

DHS Clarifies Green Card Processing: Adjustment Of Status Remains Available, But Discretion Matters

Fennemore Craig, P.C.
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As of June 10, 2026, green card applicants should not assume that all people seeking permanent residence from inside the United States must leave the country to finish the process abroad.

United StatesImmigration
Alycia Moss
Alycia Moss
Catherine Renshaw
Catherine Renshaw

As of June 10, 2026, green card applicants should not assume that all people seeking permanent residence from inside the United States must leave the country to finish the process abroad. After a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) policy memorandum and news release caused significant confusion, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) later clarified that the announcement was not intended as a blanket rule requiring most applicants to depart the United States. Instead, USCIS officers are expected to continue making case-by-case decisions.

What Changed

On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, addressing “adjustment of status,” the process that allows certain people already in the United States to apply for lawful permanent residence by filing Form I-485 rather than attending an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. consulate abroad. USCIS characterized adjustment of status as discretionary relief and emphasized that officers should consider the full

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