A new immigration policy memorandum issued on May 21, 2026 has raised concerns among thousands of people with pending immigration cases or those hoping to obtain permanent residency in the United States.
Since then, many people have been asking:
- Can I still apply for a Green Card from inside the United States?
- Which immigration cases could be affected?
- Is USCIS making it harder to obtain permanent residency?
The reality is that there is still uncertainty. However, there are important changes that Green Card applicants and families should understand.
Here are five key things you need to know about the new USCIS immigration memo.
1. Some Immigration Cases May Face More Strict Review
One of the main effects of the new memo is that certain adjustment of status cases may be reviewed more closely.
This could lead to:
- More Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
- More immigration interviews
- Longer processing times
- More discretionary review by USCIS officers
In other words, USCIS appears to be increasing its level of scrutiny in some cases involving permanent residency and other immigration benefits.
The memo emphasizes that adjustment of status is discretionary. This means that even if someone meets the basic legal requirements, USCIS may still review the overall circumstances of the case before making a final decision.
2. Adjustment of Status Could Be More Difficult in Some Cases
Adjustment of status is the process that allows certain eligible immigrants to apply for a Green Card from inside the United States without having to leave the country for consular processing.
This process is commonly used by people who:
- Are married to U.S. citizens
- Have approved family-based petitions
- Apply through certain humanitarian immigration benefits
- Qualify through other immigration categories
Adjustment of status has not been eliminated. USCIS is still accepting Form I-485 applications, and the legal requirements for adjustment of status have not changed.
However, the new USCIS memo has created concern because officers may apply greater scrutiny when deciding whether an applicant should be allowed to adjust status inside the United States instead of completing consular processing abroad.
For that reason, it is more important than ever to make sure an immigration case is properly prepared from the beginning.
3. Some Nationals Are Already Facing Pauses in Certain Immigration Benefits
Some foreign nationals are currently facing pauses or additional review in certain immigration benefit applications.
Recent immigration developments have affected individuals from countries including Venezuela and Cuba in certain processes. In many cases, these pauses depend directly on USCIS procedures, and neither the applicant nor an immigration attorney may be able to immediately accelerate or avoid the additional review.
This has created significant uncertainty for people with pending immigration applications and for those preparing to begin a new immigration process.
Because immigration policies can change quickly, it is important to review your individual case before making decisions about filing, traveling, or changing immigration strategies.
4. Not Every Immigration Case Will Be Affected the Same Way
One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming that all immigration cases work the same way.
The reality is that every case depends on factors such as:
- How the person entered the United States
- Their immigration history
- The immigration benefit being requested
- Prior immigration issues
- The evidence submitted with the application
This is why some cases may continue moving forward normally, while others may face delays, additional evidence requests, interviews, or stricter review.
Generalizing can create unnecessary fear—or lead people to make the wrong decisions about their immigration future.
5. Having a Clear Legal Strategy Is More Important Than Ever
With so many immigration changes and so much information circulating on social media, many people are making decisions based on rumors, viral videos, or incomplete information.
That can be dangerous.
An immigration mistake, a poorly prepared application, or choosing the wrong immigration process can seriously complicate a person’s situation.
That is why anyone with questions about a pending case or a possible Green Card application should speak directly with an immigration attorney and receive an evaluation based on their specific circumstances.
There Is Uncertainty—But There Is Also a Lot of Misinformation
During times of immigration policy changes, it is normal to feel concerned. However, it is also important to avoid panic and rushed decisions.
Much of the information currently circulating on social media does not fully explain what is happening or how different types of immigration cases may be affected.
Before assuming that your case is lost or that there are no longer immigration options available, it is important to seek professional legal guidance.
Chavarro Law Firm: Clarity and Strategy During Immigration Changes
At Chavarro Law Firm, we understand the concern many individuals and families are feeling right now.
Our goal is to help clients understand what is happening, how new immigration policies may affect their case, and what decisions may best protect their future in the United States.
Every immigration case is different and requires careful, strategic, and responsible analysis.
Schedule a Consultation
📍 Office in Chamblee, Georgia
📞 Phone: 404-400-1774
💬 WhatsApp: 678-629-7014
✉️ Email: reception@chavarrolawfirm.com
