[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Quick Take: USCIS May 21, 2026 Policy Memo on Adjustment of Status<\/strong><\/p>\n On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 addressing adjustment of status under INA section 245. The memo emphasizes that adjustment of status is a discretionary form of relief and frames consular processing as the ordinary pathway for obtaining permanent residence. Its language suggests a more restrictive adjudicatory approach, particularly for applicants with status violations or other negative discretionary factors. At the same time, the memo leaves important questions unanswered about how broadly this policy will be applied in practice.<\/p>\n Importantly, the memo does not itself change the statutory framework governing adjustment of status eligibility. Adjustment of status for eligible applicants remains grounded in existing law and regulations, and any effort to narrow that framework through policy alone may face legal challenge.<\/p>\n Although the memo is understandably concerning, several points are clear:<\/p>\n We will continue to monitor developments and share additional guidance as more information becomes available. If you have questions about how this policy memo may affect your case, please contact Jared Leung at jleung@jclimmigration.com<\/a> or call our main office at 602-831-2329<\/a> and ask to be connected.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Quick Take: USCIS May 21, 2026 Policy Memo on Adjustment of Status On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 addressing adjustment of status under INA section 245. The memo emphasizes that adjustment of status is a discretionary form of relief and frames consular processing as the ordinary pathway for obtaining permanent residence. Its […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":680,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" admin_label=\"section\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_row admin_label=\"row\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" custom_padding=\"|||\" global_colors_info=\"{}\" custom_padding__hover=\"|||\"][et_pb_text admin_label=\"Text\" _builder_version=\"4.16\" background_size=\"initial\" background_position=\"top_left\" background_repeat=\"repeat\" global_colors_info=\"{}\"] Unfortunately, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has drastically changed its enforcement approaches over the past 12 months. ICE\u2019s increasingly aggressive tactics have instilled fear in immigrant communities, including green card holders, naturalized U.S. citizens, and even natural-born U.S. citizens of diverse backgrounds.<\/p>\n This guide is intended to help you remain calm and de-escalate the situation if you are confronted by ICE.<\/p>\n If You Are Confronted by ICE on the Street or in a Public Place:<\/strong><\/p>\n Comply with basic safety-related requests from ICE agents (e.g., \"Stop,\" \"Show me your hands\").<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ask the ICE agent to identify themselves and show identification (they may refuse).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Respond to the ICE agent\u2019s questions (e.g., \"Are you a citizen?\" \"What is your immigration status?\").<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Clearly state your immigration status (e.g., \"I am a U.S. citizen,\" or \"I am in H-1B status\").<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Carry at least a clean photocopy of your immigration documents, if not the original, such as your naturalization certificate, green card, H1B approval notice, or other USCIS issued approval notice, passport, etc. Also keep a clear photo of your documents on your phone that you can access quickly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n After the agent has reviewed your documents, ask politely if you are free to leave (e.g., \"May I leave now?\").<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n If ICE Knocks on Your Door:<\/strong><\/p>\n Do not<\/strong> open the door immediately. Ask the agent to identify themselves and provide identification.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Request to see their identification documents.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Ask whether they have a judicial warrant<\/strong>, and ask to see it.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Review the warrant carefully to confirm:<\/p>\n It is a judicial<\/em> warrant (signed by a judge),<\/p>\n<\/li>\n It lists your name or your address correctly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n If the ICE agent has a valid judicial warrant, you must comply and open the door.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n If the ICE agent does not<\/strong> have a valid judicial warrant, you may state that you cannot open the door without one.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n ICE agents may become angry or make threats. Remain calm and polite, and explain that you will comply if they present a valid judicial warrant.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
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