Must Immigrants Return Home to Apply for Green Cards? What Applicants Need to Know
▸ Part of: USCIS Mandates Green Card Applicants Apply From Home Countries, Ending In-Country Adjustments
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, clarifying that adjustment of status applications are not automatic approvals but acts of discretion. The memo emphasizes that adjustment of status circumvents the ordinary consular visa process and frames the applicant's choice to adjust status within the U.S. over consular processing abroad as a potential adverse factor. While certain categories like VAWA self-petitioners and non-discretionary adjustments are unaffected, the memo signals heightened discretionary scrutiny for most applicants, requiring a strong record of positive equities.
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