By Richard Herman, Immigration Attorney with Over 30 Years of Experience
One of the most common questions immigrants are asking right now is: “Is it still safe to travel with pending I-485 in 2026?”
That fear has intensified dramatically after the Trump administration’s new USCIS adjustment-of-status memo, expanded immigration vetting, increasing reports of aggressive CBP inspections, and growing concerns about discretionary denials.
For years, many immigrants with pending adjustment-of-status applications believed international travel was relatively routine if they had Advance Parole, H-1B status, L-1 status, or another valid travel mechanism.
Now many immigrants are afraid that travel with pending I-485 in 2026 could cause USCIS to deny adjustment, CBP to refuse reentry, social media screening to trigger problems, or travel itself to become a negative discretionary factor in their pending i-485 international travel case.
Those concerns have become especially intense following the new USCIS I-485 memo issued in May 2026 emphasizing that adjustment of status is discretionary. The memo repeatedly states that adjustment is an “extraordinary act of grace.”
Immigration lawyers nationwide now expect more RFEs, more NOIDs, broader discretionary review, expanded immigration “risk assessments,” and greater scrutiny of adjustment applicants when you travel with pending I-485 in 2026, including advance parole risks 2026.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about whether immigrants should travel with pending I-485 in 2026, risks involving Advance Parole, H-1B and F-1 travel issues, CBP inspection risks, unlawful presence concerns, and what immigrants should do now.
This week, immigration attorney Richard Herman appeared on multiple NPR-affiliated programs discussing the administration’s new adjustment-of-status policies and growing immigrant fear regarding travel, immigration screening, and “risk assessments.”
Listen here:
During the interviews, Richard Herman explained that immigrants are increasingly requesting “immigration risk assessment” before filing Form I-485, traveling internationally, changing employers, or deciding whether to remain in the United States.
The interviews discussed growing concerns regarding social media vetting, CBP screening, discretionary denials, and expanded immigration scrutiny related to pending i-485 international travel.
Richard Herman also recently discussed fear among international students in another NPR-affiliated interview: WBUR / NPR – Immigration Lawyer Says International Students Are Nervous to Come Study in the U.S. That interview focused heavily on travel anxiety, immigration screening, visa uncertainty, and social media review.
On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 – Adjustment of Status and Discretion.
The memo repeatedly emphasizes that adjustment of status is discretionary and states that adjustment is an “extraordinary act of grace.”
Official USCIS guidance: • USCIS Policy Manual – Adjustment of Status Discretion • USCIS Form I-485
Immigration lawyers nationwide fear the memo may lead to increased discretionary denials, expanded social media review, more aggressive scrutiny, and greater pressure toward consular processing for anyone planning to travel with pending I-485 in 2026 or facing uscis i-485 memo 2026 implications.
Related Herman Legal Group analysis:
It depends entirely on your immigration history and current status.
For some immigrants, travel with pending I-485 in 2026 may still be relatively safe. For others, departure from the United States could create serious immigration risks in their pending i-485 international travel plans.
The answer depends on factors including immigration status, unlawful presence history, criminal history, prior removal orders, Advance Parole validity, visa type, and CBP inspection risks when you travel with pending i-485 in 2026.
There is no universal answer when deciding whether to travel with pending I-485 in 2026.
Advance Parole is travel authorization issued by USCIS allowing certain immigrants with pending adjustment applications to leave the United States and seek parole back into the country.
Official USCIS guidance: USCIS Form I-131 – Advance Parole.
Important: Advance Parole does NOT guarantee admission. CBP officers still retain authority to inspect travelers, review admissibility, and deny entry in certain situations — even when you travel with pending I-485 in 2026 under advance parole risks 2026.
Potentially yes. This is one of the greatest dangers when you travel with pending I-485 in 2026.
Immigrants with prior unlawful presence, visa overstays, or status violations may trigger INA 212(a)(9)(B) upon departure under unlawful presence bar i-485 travel.
Official USCIS guidance: USCIS Unlawful Presence and Bars to Admissibility.
Potential consequences may include 3-year bars, 10-year bars, visa denials, or inability to return.
Potentially yes. Advance Parole is discretionary parole authority — not guaranteed admission.
CBP officers may still examine immigration history, criminal history, prior misrepresentations, social media activity, travel patterns, and national-security concerns when you travel with pending I-485 in 2026 leading to cbp inspection pending i-485 or cbp reentry denial advance parole.
Many immigrants now fear secondary inspection, device searches, social media screening, or aggressive questioning at airports. These fears were specifically discussed during Richard Herman’s NPR interviews this week and relate to social media screening cbp 2026.
Potentially yes. H-1B and L-1 visas are dual-intent visas. This often provides greater flexibility for international travel during adjustment processing when you travel with pending I-485 in 2026 or h-1b travel with pending i-485.
Official USCIS guidance:
• USCIS H-1B Specialty Occupations
• USCIS L-1 Intracompany Transfers
However, even H-1B and L-1 travelers may face increased scrutiny in 2026.
Related: • Should H-1B Holders Avoid Filing I-485 Right Now? • H-1B Immigration Resources
Potentially yes. F-1 students already face immigrant intent concerns, SEVIS scrutiny, CPT review, and visa-renewal risks leading to f-1 student i-485 travel risks.
Now many students also fear social media vetting, discretionary scrutiny, and travel-related denial risks when they travel with pending I-485 in 2026.
Related:
• Can F-1 Students Still Get Green Cards?
• F-1 Student Visa Resources
Possibly. One of the most controversial aspects of the new memo is its emphasis on discretionary review and “totality of circumstances” under discretionary denial i-485 and adjustment of status travel risks 2026.
Some immigration lawyers fear USCIS officers may increasingly evaluate travel patterns, international ties, immigration intent, and broader “risk indicators” when you travel with pending I-485 in 2026.
At the moment, USCIS has not formally stated that travel itself is a negative factor. But uncertainty is growing.
Potentially yes. Many immigrants now fear device searches, social media review, political screening, and AI-assisted immigration vetting when they travel with pending I-485 in 2026 under social media screening immigration concerns.
Related:
• USCIS Vetting Center High-Risk Countries and Social Media Screening
• Can USCIS Use AI to Scrutinize Your Immigration Case?
Potential consequences may include inability to return, visa denial, unlawful presence consequences, or pressure toward consular processing if your I-485 is denied while you travel with pending I-485 in 2026 leading to i-485 denial risks 2026.
Based on more than 30 years practicing immigration law, I expect increased CBP scrutiny, expanded social media vetting, broader discretionary review, more secondary inspections, and growing fear surrounding international travel when you travel with pending I-485 in 2026.
I also expect more immigrants seeking “immigration risk assessments,” increased travel hesitation, and more litigation involving parole and adjustment denials under 2026 immigration changes.
These issues are rapidly reshaping immigration strategy nationwide and relate to adjustment of status discretion.
The new USCIS adjustment-of-status memo has fundamentally changed how immigrants think about international travel with pending I-485 in 2026.
For years, many immigrants assumed: “If I have Advance Parole, I can safely travel.” Now the calculation is far more complicated under uscis i-485 memo 2026 and i-485 advance parole reentry concerns.
Under the administration’s new immigration environment, discretionary scrutiny is increasing, immigration “risk assessments” are expanding, and CBP inspections may become more aggressive.
That does not mean immigrants should panic. But it does mean travel decisions now require far more strategic analysis than before when you travel with pending I-485 in 2026.
Immigration is rarely just one form. It is a timeline of school, work, family, travel, deadlines, and future plans. If you are searching for the best immigration lawyer, the real question is: who can protect your status today while keeping your long-term options open?
The best immigration lawyer is not simply the biggest name. The right firm has specialization in immigration law, communication and responsiveness, strict quality control systems to prevent processing errors, transparent fee structures, and a realistic strategy for your exact facts.
Herman Legal Group has focused on U.S. immigration law since 1995. From Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Dallas, Miami, Washington D.C., Toronto, and full virtual representation nationwide, the firm helps foreign nationals, families, students, workers, entrepreneurs, and employers navigate the immigration process.
Led by founder Richard Herman, Herman Legal Group offers nearly 30 years of extensive experience, multilingual legal services in languages such as Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, Hindi, and French, and a deep understanding of immigration matters tied to criminal defense, employment law, and business immigration matters.
What makes a firm “best” usually comes down to:
For many readers, Herman Legal Group is a trusted immigration partner for student visa issues, change of status, deportation defense, family and employment green card cases, and complex nonimmigrant status problems. Most new clients can request a free, confidential phone or video consultation and often speak with an attorney within 24–48 hours.
Choosing the best immigration law firm is about fit, not advertising. Top-tier immigration firms vary by size, target clientele, and legal focus. High-volume corporate infrastructure is different from highly tailored individual petitions.
Use this mini-checklist:
Verify that immigration lawyers are licensed and in good standing with their respective state bar association. Membership in the American Immigration Lawyers Association indicates attorneys stay updated on immigration policies. Initial consultations can help evaluate an attorney’s communication style and expertise.
You need specialized help for an F-1 to H-1B change of status, removal of conditions after a marriage-based green card, or 212 waiver applications tied to criminal issues. Top immigration firms also understand regional nuances in local immigration courts and the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Herman Legal Group routinely represents clients in these scenarios and coordinates criminal or business practices when immigration consequences are involved.
Herman Legal Group is a full-service immigration law practice handling nonimmigrant visa, nonimmigrant classification, nonimmigrant visa categories, and permanent residence matters.
Family-based immigration: The firm helps spouses, fiancés, parents, children, and other family members with I-130, I-485, consular processing, and adjustment cases. Example: helping a U.S. citizen spouse prepare a marriage case after a prior visa waiver program overstay.
Employment-based immigration: Herman Legal Group serves large and small corporations, small corporations, service companies, and foreign workers with H-1B, L-1, O-1, PERM, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-1 filings for extraordinary ability individuals. Example: guiding a temporary worker position into a long-term green card plan.
Student and exchange matters: The firm helps foreign students with F-1, M-1, J-1, the exchange visitor program, student and exchange visitor rules, visa applications, and change status filings.
Removal and humanitarian cases: Herman Legal Group handles removal proceedings, bond, cancellation, asylum, VAWA, U visas, T visas, motions to reopen, and appeals.
Investor and business cases: The firm supports E-2, EB-5, entrepreneurs, intellectual property, contracts, and related employment law needs.
The firm handles USCIS filings including I-130, I-485, I-539, I-765, and I-131, and can represent clients before immigration court and the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Student visa and student status questions are common reasons people search for the best lawyers. F-1 and M-1 visas are common student visas. Students must enroll in SEVP-approved schools for F-1 or M-1 visas, and students can apply for F-1 or M-1 visas up to 365 days before classes. After school acceptance, students must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
An F-1 student visa is for study at an academic institution, college, university, seminary, conservatory, high school, elementary school, or language training program. An M-1 visa is for a vocational student in a vocational program. F-1 visas allow study at academic institutions; M-1 for vocational programs.
A student visa is the passport stamp used to request entry. Nonimmigrant status is the lawful classification inside the U.S., shown on Form I-94, the admission stamp, Form I-20, and related records. Your valid passport, start date, expiration date, authorized stay, and current status all matter.
You must file a request with USCIS to change status. You can only change status if your current status is valid. Apply for a change of status before your authorized stay expires, and USCIS recommends applying as soon as you need a status change. If problems arise, such as SEVIS termination and related visa revocation, you should seek immediate legal guidance. Do not change your activity until USCIS approves your application. In plain terms, do not begin to attend school, work, or start a new visa activity before you receive approval.
Herman Legal Group helps prepare the appropriate form, usually I-539, proof that the person was lawfully admitted, financial records, academic plans, ties abroad, and explanations if a visa prior history creates questions. Maintaining status means full-time study, updates through the designated school official, no unauthorized work, and timely action before transfer or departure deadlines. For USCIS rules, see changing to F or M student status.
Many students plan long-term: enter in f visa status, complete a degree, use practical training, move to h status or another temporary worker route, and later pursue a green card, all while navigating F-1 visa policy changes under shifting administrations. Immigration law is complex and frequently changing, requiring specialized focus from attorneys.
Practical Training: F-1 students may use on-campus employment, CPT, 12 months of OPT, and for eligible STEM degrees, a 24-month STEM OPT extension. In 2024, OPT authorizations reached about 418,781, showing how central work authorization is for students. M-1 practical training is narrower, available after completion, tied to the specific vocational field, and strictly time-limited.
Work Visas After Study: Herman Legal Group coordinates transitions to H-1B, O-1, L-1, or other categories so nonimmigrant status remains valid and gaps are avoided, including guidance on the H-1B grace period after employment termination. This includes reviewing employer evidence, pay records, worksite details, and whether the person may travel and re enter with a new visa.
Pathways to a Green Card: EB-2, EB-3, and sometimes EB-1 can follow U.S. education and work. Many EB-2 and EB-3 cases require PERM labor certification, which has faced long backlogs; recent reports note analyst review times around 503 days. Example: an F-1 STEM graduate in 2023 uses OPT and STEM OPT, moves to H-1B with an Ohio leading technology employer found through targeting verified H-1B visa sponsors, then starts an EB-2 case while Herman Legal Group manages timing.
Some people begin with a student visa, tourist visa, or another nonimmigrant visa but later face marriage, danger abroad, status violations, or enforcement actions by homeland security, citizenship and immigration services, or immigration and customs enforcement.
Family green card options include marriage to a U.S. citizen or resident, petitions by parents, adult children, or siblings, and either adjustment of status or consular processing. Immediate relatives often move faster than preference categories.
Humanitarian options may include asylum, withholding of removal, Convention Against Torture protection, VAWA self-petitions, U visas, or T visas. Herman Legal Group also defends clients in immigration court through bond hearings, cancellation of removal, motions to reopen, and BIA appeals.
Example: a former J-1 or F-1 student overstays, marries a U.S. citizen, and faces a prior removal order. The firm may coordinate I-130, I-601A waiver work, court strategy, and criminal-defense analysis if any charges affect admissibility.
New cases usually begin with a consultation, conflict check, engagement agreement, and document timeline. Choosing the right immigration counsel impacts personal future and corporate mobility strategy, so the first step is a practical assessment.
Clients can expect a written strategy, document checklist, risk review, processing-time discussion for I-539, I-130, I-485, and other filings, plus regular updates by email or secure portal. Flat fees are common for predictable filings, while complex litigation or appeals may use hourly arrangements. Transparent fee structures are crucial when selecting an immigration law firm.
Special instructions matter: keep passports valid, attend biometrics and interviews, report address changes, disclose all travel and criminal history, and never start work, school, or a new activity before approval. Secure digital tools allow clients to work with Herman Legal Group from anywhere in the U.S. or abroad.
Compared with large national firms and boutique practices, Herman Legal Group combines a since-1995 immigration focus with individualized support. Some searches may compare glinsmann immigration in new hampshire or other regional firms, but the right choice is the firm with expertise related to your specific immigration needs.
Herman Legal Group stands out for its broad range of immigration services, multilingual team, quality control, and ability to handle student, employment, family, investor, waiver, and litigation cases together. Clients most often value clear communication, honest expectations, and persistence in difficult cases.
Immigration is not a single deadline. It is a plan from student to temporary worker, from family petition to green card, and from permanent residence to citizenship. Contact Herman Legal Group by phone, email, or online form to discuss your options early and protect your future.
By Richard Herman, Immigration Attorney with More Than 30 Years of Experience
Many immigrants are now asking a question that would have sounded like science fiction only a few years ago: “Is artificial intelligence reviewing my immigration case?”
That fear has intensified dramatically after the Trump administration’s new USCIS adjustment-of-status memo, expanding DHS artificial intelligence programs, increased social media vetting, and growing reports of automated immigration screening systems.
Today, many immigrants worry USCIS AI I-485 2026 tools may be used to flag applications, identify inconsistencies, generate RFEs, analyze social media, detect “risk factors,” or recommend deeper scrutiny of green card applicants under USCIS artificial intelligence 2026 systems.
Those concerns have become even more intense following the new USCIS I-485 memo issued in May 2026 emphasizing that adjustment of status is discretionary. The memo repeatedly describes adjustment as an “extraordinary act of grace.”
That language has alarmed immigration lawyers nationwide because it suggests broader discretionary review, increased scrutiny, more RFEs, more NOIDs, and potentially more adjustment denials when AI reviewing immigration case processes are involved.
This comprehensive guide explains whether USCIS actually uses AI, how AI may affect immigration adjudications, what the DHS AI Use Case Inventory reveals, how AI may impact I-485 cases, what risks immigrants should understand, and what applicants should do now regarding USCIS AI I-485 2026.
Richard Herman Discusses the New USCIS Memo on NPR This Week
Richard Herman Discusses the New USCIS Memo on NPR This Week
Listen here:
• Ideastream Public Media / NPR – Trump Administration Changes Rules to Obtain Green Cards
• NPR Illinois – Trump Administration Changes Rules to Obtain Green Cards
• Texas Public Radio / NPR – Trump Administration Changes Rules to Obtain Green Cards
During the interviews, Richard Herman explained that immigrants are increasingly requesting “immigration risk assessments” before filing Form I-485, traveling internationally, changing employers, or making long-term immigration decisions.
The interviews discussed growing fears regarding discretionary denials, social media vetting, immigration “risk scoring,” and broader immigration scrutiny related to USCIS artificial intelligence 2026.
Richard Herman also recently discussed growing anxiety among international students in another NPR-affiliated interview: WBUR / NPR – Immigration Lawyer Says International Students Are Nervous to Come Study in the U.S.
In that interview, Herman explained that many students are now deeply worried about social media review, immigration vetting, and AI reviewing immigration case systems.
Yes — DHS and USCIS already use AI systems under USCIS AI I-485 2026. This is not speculation.
The Department of Homeland Security publicly maintains a DHS AI Use Case Inventory, listing numerous USCIS-related AI systems and automated review tools.
The DHS inventory specifically states that AI tools are used to “review existing records for adjudicating requests for immigration benefits.” The inventory also explains these systems help review records, identify aliases, process documents, and improve adjudication efficiency in USCIS AI I-485 2026 processes.
On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 – Adjustment of Status and Discretion.
The memo repeatedly emphasizes that adjustment of status is discretionary and states that adjustment is an “extraordinary act of grace.”
Official USCIS guidance:
• USCIS Policy Manual – Adjustment of Status Discretion
Immigration lawyers nationwide fear the memo may lead to more RFEs, broader discretionary review, increased scrutiny, and expanded “risk assessment” practices when combined with USCIS artificial intelligence 2026.
Related Herman Legal Group analysis:
This is the critical question regarding AI reviewing immigration case processes in USCIS AI I-485 2026.
At the moment, USCIS insists human officers still make final decisions. However, AI systems may increasingly help sort evidence, identify inconsistencies, flag anomalies, classify documents, prioritize cases, and trigger additional review.
The DHS inventory confirms USCIS uses AI to improve “reviewing existing records for adjudicating requests for immigration benefits.”
Legal analysts and immigration attorneys increasingly believe AI may affect intake review, fraud screening, document classification, and security vetting under USCIS artificial intelligence 2026.
Possibly. Some immigration lawyers have reported unusually fast RFEs, repetitive language patterns, and highly standardized deficiency notices related to USCIS AI I-485 2026.
However, USCIS has not publicly confirmed AI-generated RFEs. Some practitioners suspect AI-assisted drafting tools may already influence RFEs, intake screening, and document review workflows.
Potentially yes. Many immigrants now fear expanding social media review, online behavioral analysis, and digital “risk scoring” under AI reviewing immigration case systems.
These concerns have become central themes in Richard Herman’s NPR interviews this week. Immigration lawyers increasingly believe social media inconsistencies, political activity, online statements, or travel history may trigger additional scrutiny in USCIS AI I-485 2026.
Potentially. AI systems are especially effective at pattern detection, anomaly review, and identifying inconsistent data under USCIS AI I-485 2026.
That means marriage-based cases with inconsistent addresses, conflicting timelines, unusual filing patterns, or contradictory documentation may receive additional scrutiny.
Very likely. Employment-based immigration generates massive datasets, wage records, job classifications, and compliance information.
AI systems may increasingly review wage levels, employment history, LCA consistency, payroll records, and job descriptions in USCIS AI I-485 2026 processes.
Potentially yes. F-1 students increasingly fear SEVIS monitoring, CPT scrutiny, social media screening, and “risk assessment” analysis under AI reviewing immigration case tools.
Potential areas of AI-assisted scrutiny may include Day 1 CPT, employment authorization, attendance patterns, online activity, and status compliance.
Many lawyers fear opaque decision-making. The biggest concern is not simply AI itself. It is lack of transparency, inability to challenge algorithmic assumptions, and potential bias in automated screening systems.
Civil rights organizations have already raised concerns about DHS AI deployment, rights-impacting algorithms, and insufficient oversight.
As of now, USCIS says human officers still make final decisions. However, AI systems may increasingly influence how cases are prioritized, which applications receive deeper scrutiny, and what issues officers focus on reviewing under USCIS AI I-485 2026.
That distinction matters enormously.
Based on more than 30 years practicing immigration law, I expect expanded AI-assisted intake review, broader automated screening, increased social media vetting, more standardized RFEs, and greater use of “risk assessment” systems under USCIS AI I-485 2026.
I also expect more federal litigation, increasing due-process challenges, and growing public concern about algorithmic immigration enforcement.
These issues are rapidly becoming central themes in immigration law nationwide.
The question is no longer “Will AI affect immigration someday?” The reality is AI is already part of the immigration system under USCIS artificial intelligence 2026.
The bigger question now is how much influence these systems have, how transparent the process will be, and whether immigrants will receive meaningful due process protections when AI reviewing immigration case tools are active.
Under the new USCIS I-485 memo, discretionary scrutiny is increasing, “risk assessments” are expanding, and immigration adjudications may become more data-driven than ever before in USCIS AI I-485 2026.
For immigrants, preparation, consistency, and strategic planning now matter more than ever.
By Richard Herman, Immigration Attorney with More Than 30 Years of Experience
For decades, many couples believed marriage to a U.S. citizen was one of the safest and most reliable pathways to a green card. That assumption is now being questioned across the United States in 2026.
A new USCIS policy memorandum issued in May 2026 has triggered widespread fear among U.S. citizens married to immigrants, undocumented spouses, F-1 students, H-1B workers, mixed-status families, and marriage-based adjustment applicants nationwide under the new USCIS I-485 memo 2026.
The memo repeatedly emphasizes: adjustment of status is discretionary. That means: USCIS can deny a marriage-based green card application even if the marriage is real.
Now couples are asking: • Will marriage green cards 2026 become harder?
• Will USCIS deny more I-485 applications under the new memo?
• Will marriage interviews become more aggressive?
• Could USCIS force couples into consular processing?
• What evidence should married couples prepare now?
• Are Stokes interviews 2026 becoming more likely?
• What happens if USCIS denies adjustment?
These fears are understandable. Because immigration lawyers nationwide now expect:
• more RFEs
• more NOIDs
• broader discretionary review
• increased scrutiny of marriages
• Potentially more I-485 denials for marriage green cards 2026.
This article explains:
• what the new USCIS I-485 memo 2026 means for married couples.
• the biggest marriage-based green card risks in 2026
• how USCIS may apply discretionary review
• and what couples should do immediately.
This week, immigration attorney Richard Herman appeared on multiple NPR-affiliated programs discussing the administration’s new adjustment-of-status policies and the growing fear among green card applicants.
Listen here:
During the interviews, Richard Herman explained that immigrants and families are increasingly requesting “immigration risk assessments” before filing Form I-485, traveling internationally, changing employers, or deciding whether to remain in the United States.
The interviews focused heavily on discretionary denials, consular processing pressure, immigration “risk scoring,” and heightened scrutiny of adjustment-of-status applications. (NPR Illinois)
Richard Herman also recently discussed growing fear among international students and visa holders in another NPR-affiliated interview: WBUR / NPR – Immigration Lawyer Says International Students Are Nervous to Come Study in the U.S.
On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued:
The memo repeatedly states that adjustment of status is an “extraordinary act of grace.” USCIS emphasizes that adjustment is discretionary, approval is not automatic, and officers should conduct broader discretionary review. Official guidance appears in the USCIS Policy Manual – Adjustment of Status Discretion and on USCIS Form I-485.
The memo has alarmed immigration lawyers nationwide because it suggests that eligibility alone may no longer be enough, officers may apply broader “totality of circumstances” review, and consular processing may increasingly be viewed as the preferred pathway.
Potentially yes. While marriage-based green cards remain among the strongest immigration pathways, scrutiny is increasing dramatically under the new memo. USCIS officers are now encouraged to examine discretionary factors, immigration history, prior status violations, fraud indicators, and “positive equities” in every case.
Many immigration lawyers expect more marriage interviews, more Requests for Evidence (RFEs), more Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs), and more Stokes interviews in the months ahead. The shift does not eliminate marriage green cards, but it does mean couples must prepare more thoroughly than in previous years.
Marriage-based immigration has always been a major enforcement focus because USCIS aggressively investigates marriage fraud. Officers are trained to look for inconsistent answers during interviews, weak or contradictory documentation, signs of fake cohabitation, financial separation between spouses, or suspicious timelines in the relationship.
Official USCIS guidance on marriage-based green cards is available on the Green Card for Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizen page.
A Stokes interview is a second-level marriage interview in which the spouses are separated and questioned independently about their relationship. USCIS officers then compare the answers to identify inconsistencies that may indicate fraud.
Common topics include daily routines, finances, living arrangements, family relationships, vacations, and intimate details of the marriage. Background on this process is available in the Stokes Interview Overview.
Many immigration lawyers now fear that Stokes interviews could increase substantially under the new memo as officers apply broader discretionary review to marriage-based I-485 cases.
Several specific risks are likely to draw more attention from USCIS officers.
Weak Relationship Evidence — Couples with limited documentation may face greater scrutiny. Strong evidence now includes joint bank accounts, shared leases or mortgages, insurance policies listing both spouses, joint tax returns, timestamped photographs spanning the relationship, travel records showing time spent together, and affidavits from friends and family who can attest to the bona fides of the marriage.
Prior Immigration Violations — Officers will closely examine any overstays, unauthorized employment, periods of unlawful presence, SEVIS violations, or prior visa fraud allegations. Even minor past issues can become significant when viewed through the lens of broader discretionary review.
Social Media Review — Many immigrants fear expanding social media vetting, political screening, and online activity analysis. These concerns were specifically discussed during Richard Herman’s NPR interviews this week. Inconsistent or inflammatory posts can now be used as evidence in discretionary determinations.
Consular Processing Pressure — The memo repeatedly suggests that consular processing is the “ordinary” immigration pathway. Many lawyers fear USCIS may increasingly deny adjustment of status and effectively push applicants abroad. For some couples this could be devastating, as leaving the United States may trigger unlawful presence bars, visa denials, administrative processing, or prolonged family separation.
Official guidance: USCIS Unlawful Presence and Bars to Admissibility
Discretionary Denials — This may be the biggest shift. The memo strongly suggests that even genuine marriages may still face discretionary denial. Officers may now evaluate immigration compliance history, humanitarian factors, criminal history, public statements, family equities, and the broader “totality of circumstances” when deciding whether to approve a marriage-based I-485.
Potentially safer categories may include long-term marriages, couples with U.S. citizen children, applicants with strong lawful immigration history, immigrants with compelling humanitarian equities, and couples with extensive joint documentation built over many years.
However, no category appears completely immune from increased scrutiny under the new memo. Every marriage-based case now requires careful preparation and strategic presentation of positive equities.
Potential consequences include loss of work authorization, accrual of unlawful presence, issuance of a Notice to Appear (NTA), immigration court proceedings, or effective pressure toward consular processing.
Related: What Happens If Your Adjustment of Status Is Denied? and USCIS Policy Manual – Notices to Appear
Married couples should begin by strengthening their relationship evidence. This means gathering financial records such as joint bank statements and tax returns, shared leases or property documents, insurance policies, timestamped photographs documenting the relationship over time, travel history showing time spent together, and affidavits from friends and family who can speak credibly about the marriage.
It is also essential to carefully review your full immigration history for any potential issues, including prior overstays, unauthorized employment, periods of unlawful presence, SEVIS violations, or past visa problems. Identifying these issues early allows couples to prepare explanations or waivers if needed.
Couples should preserve all documentation, including previous tax returns, USCIS filings, approval notices, and proof of lawful status. Organized records help demonstrate compliance and positive equities during any future interview or discretionary review.
Avoid international travel without first obtaining legal advice. Travel risks have increased significantly under the new memo, and departure could trigger unlawful presence bars or complicate an already pending I-485.
Finally, prepare thoroughly for more aggressive interviews. Couples should anticipate detailed questioning about their relationship, be ready to present organized documentation, and understand that Stokes interviews may become more common. Working with experienced counsel to conduct mock interviews can make a meaningful difference.
Based on more than 30 years practicing immigration law, I expect increased RFEs, more NOIDs, more Stokes interviews, broader discretionary review, and greater scrutiny of marriage evidence in the year ahead.
I also expect increased social media vetting, greater fear among mixed-status families, and more litigation challenging arbitrary or overly broad adjustment denials. These concerns are already reshaping immigration strategy nationwide.
By Richard Herman, Immigration Attorney with More Than 30 Years of Experience
International students across the United States are asking the same urgent question right now: “Can F-1 students still get green cards under the new USCIS memo?”
That fear exploded after USCIS issued a new adjustment-of-status policy memorandum in May 2026 emphasizing that adjustment of status is discretionary, approval is not automatic, and officers should conduct broader discretionary review of Form I-485 applications.
The memo has created enormous anxiety among F-1 students, OPT and STEM OPT workers, Day 1 CPT students, H-1B applicants, employment-based immigrants, and marriage-based green card applicants. Many students now fear I-485 denials, visa revocations, social media vetting, SEVIS scrutiny, travel risks, or being forced into consular processing abroad.
For many international students, the question is no longer “How do I get a green card?” It is now “Will USCIS still allow me to adjust status inside the United States?”
This article explains whether F-1 students can still get green cards in 2026, what the new USCIS memo means for international students, who may be most at risk, common I-485 denial risks, how SEVIS and status issues may affect adjustment, and what students should do immediately.
This week, immigration attorney Richard Herman appeared on multiple NPR-affiliated programs discussing the administration’s new adjustment-of-status policies and the growing fear among immigrants, including international students.
Listen here:
During the interviews, Richard Herman explained that many immigrants are now requesting “immigration risk assessments” before filing Form I-485, changing status, traveling internationally, or making long-term immigration decisions. The interviews focused heavily on discretionary denials, social media vetting, increased immigration scrutiny, and pressure toward consular processing.
Richard Herman also recently discussed growing fear among international students in another NPR-affiliated interview: WBUR / NPR – Immigration Lawyer Says International Students Are Nervous to Come Study in the U.S. In that interview, Herman explained that many students are now deeply worried about immigration “risk scoring,” social media review, visa denials, and future green card eligibility.
On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 – Adjustment of Status and Discretion.
The memo repeatedly emphasizes that adjustment of status is discretionary and states that adjustment is an “extraordinary act of grace.” The memo strongly suggests that eligibility alone may not be enough, officers should evaluate discretionary equities, and consular processing is the “ordinary” immigration pathway.
Official USCIS guidance:
• USCIS Policy Manual – Adjustment of Status Discretion
Yes — many F-1 students can still obtain green cards. However, scrutiny is increasing dramatically under the new memo.
F-1 students may still pursue green cards through marriage to a U.S. citizen, employment sponsorship, EB-2 NIW, EB-1 extraordinary ability, asylum, family sponsorship, or other immigration pathways.
However, USCIS officers may now more aggressively review maintenance of status, unlawful employment, CPT/OPT compliance, SEVIS history, immigrant intent, social media activity, and prior immigration filings.
F-1 visas are single-intent visas. That means students must generally maintain an intention to study temporarily and eventually depart the United States. This creates tension when students later pursue H-1B, PERM, marriage-based adjustment, or employment-based green cards.
Under the new memo, many lawyers fear USCIS officers may scrutinize whether the student truly maintained F-1 intent, prior statements made at visa interviews, or conduct inconsistent with student status.
Unauthorized Employment — Unauthorized work remains one of the biggest risks. Potential issues may include off-campus employment, unauthorized internships, CPT abuse, or unauthorized freelancing. Official guidance: USCIS Students and Employment.
SEVIS Problems — Potentially dangerous issues include terminated SEVIS records, status violations, unauthorized course loads, or enrollment gaps. Related: F-1 Student Visa Resources.
Day 1 CPT Scrutiny — Many lawyers expect increased USCIS scrutiny regarding Day 1 CPT, hybrid schools, attendance compliance, and employment authorization legitimacy.
Social Media Vetting — Students increasingly fear social media review, political screening, and online activity analysis. These concerns were specifically discussed in Richard Herman’s NPR interviews this week. Related: USCIS Vetting Center High-Risk Countries and Social Media Screening.
Immigrant Intent Concerns — USCIS officers may increasingly examine prior visa applications, travel history, social media, and statements suggesting immigrant intent during F-1 status.
Travel Risks — International travel may now carry significantly greater risk for students with pending I-485 applications, status questions, or prior immigration issues. Many lawyers now recommend individualized legal review before travel.
Potentially yes. This is one of the biggest fears surrounding the new memo. The memo strongly suggests that eligibility alone may no longer be enough. USCIS officers may now weigh discretion, compliance history, credibility, positive equities, and “totality of circumstances.”
Potentially yes. Students who may receive more favorable discretionary consideration could include physicians, STEM researchers, AI professionals, healthcare workers, national-interest applicants, and immigrants with strong humanitarian equities.
However, no category appears completely immune from increased scrutiny under the new memo.
Not directly. However, denial of adjustment may effectively leave consular processing as the only remaining option. For some students, this may be extremely dangerous because leaving the United States could potentially trigger unlawful presence bars, visa denials, administrative processing, or inability to return.
F-1 students should begin by carefully reviewing their full immigration history for any status gaps, SEVIS problems, unauthorized work, or inconsistencies. Early identification of issues allows for better preparation and strategy.
It is also essential to preserve all documentation, including I-20s, SEVIS records, CPT/OPT approvals, transcripts, employment records, and previous immigration filings. Organized records help demonstrate compliance and positive equities.
Students should avoid international travel without first obtaining legal advice, as travel risks have increased significantly under the new memo. Departure can trigger serious consequences for those with pending applications or prior issues.
Strengthening positive equities is equally important. Students should prepare evidence showing academic achievement, national-interest contributions, humanitarian hardship, community involvement, and good moral character.
Finally, speak with an experienced immigration attorney. Strategic planning matters more than ever under the current policy environment.
Based on more than 30 years practicing immigration law, I expect increased RFEs, more NOIDs, expanded social media vetting, greater scrutiny of CPT/OPT history, and broader discretionary review of student adjustment cases.
I also expect increased fear among international students, more “risk assessment” consultations, and increased federal litigation challenging arbitrary denials.
By Richard Herman, Immigration Attorney with More Than 30 Years of Experience
The new USCIS adjustment-of-status memo issued in May 2026 may become one of the most consequential immigration policy shifts in years. But one phrase in particular is now creating panic among immigrants, employers, universities, and immigration lawyers nationwide: “Extraordinary circumstances.”
The problem is that USCIS has not clearly defined what that means. The new policy memorandum repeatedly emphasizes that adjustment of status is discretionary, approval is not automatic, and applicants must merit a favorable exercise of discretion. The memo repeatedly describes adjustment of status as an “extraordinary act of grace.”
Now immigrants across the United States are asking: What exactly counts as extraordinary circumstances? Will USCIS deny my I-485 if my case is “ordinary”? Are H-1B workers at risk? Are marriage green card cases safer? Will USCIS force more immigrants into consular processing? What evidence should applicants prepare now?
These fears are understandable. Right now, nobody fully knows how USCIS officers will apply this standard. This article explains what the new USCIS memo says, what “extraordinary circumstances” may mean, who may be safest, who may be most vulnerable, what evidence immigrants should prepare, and what immigration lawyers are predicting next.
The uncertainty surrounding the new USCIS memo has become national news. This week, immigration attorney Richard Herman appeared on NPR-affiliated programming discussing how the administration’s new adjustment-of-status policies may affect H-1B workers, employment-based immigrants, marriage-based green card applicants, F-1 students, and families with pending Form I-485 applications.
Listen here:
During the interviews, Richard Herman explained that many immigrants are increasingly requesting “immigration risk assessments” before filing adjustment of status, changing employers, traveling internationally, or deciding whether to remain in the United States. The NPR interviews highlighted growing fear that the administration may issue more discretionary denials, pressure immigrants toward consular processing, expand social media vetting, and scrutinize immigration histories more aggressively.
Richard Herman also recently discussed similar immigration fears affecting international students and visa holders in another NPR-affiliated interview: WBUR / NPR – Immigration Lawyer Says International Students Are Nervous to Come Study in the U.S.
On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 – Adjustment of Status and Discretion.
The memo emphasizes that adjustment of status is discretionary. It repeatedly states that approval of Form I-485 is not automatic, even if the applicant appears legally eligible. Official USCIS discretionary guidance is available in the USCIS Policy Manual – Adjustment of Status Discretion.
The memo’s language has alarmed immigration lawyers nationwide because it signals broader discretionary review, increased scrutiny, more RFEs, more NOIDs, and potentially more denials.
Because USCIS never clearly defines it, that creates enormous uncertainty. Immigration lawyers now fear USCIS officers could apply wildly inconsistent standards depending on field office, officer discretion, political climate, or internal DHS guidance.
Many attorneys worry this language could become a tool for broader denials, arbitrary adjudications, or pressure toward consular processing abroad. That uncertainty itself is now reshaping immigration strategy nationwide.
At the moment, nobody knows with certainty. However, immigration lawyers expect USCIS may increasingly favor applicants with strong humanitarian equities, exceptional economic value, compelling hardship, family unity concerns, national interest contributions, or extraordinary community ties.
Potential examples may include severe medical hardship (serious illness, disability, caregiving responsibilities, or lack of treatment abroad), family separation concerns (U.S. citizen children, disabled family members, dependent spouses, or vulnerable relatives), national interest contributions (physicians, engineers, AI researchers, scientists, healthcare workers, and highly skilled H-1B professionals), humanitarian concerns (dangerous country conditions, war, persecution, political instability, or humanitarian emergencies abroad), and exceptional community ties (volunteer service, religious involvement, local leadership, charitable activity, or long-term residence in the United States).
Recent DHS statements suggest immigrants providing economic or national-interest value may still receive favorable discretionary treatment.
Potentially yes. That is one of the biggest fears surrounding the memo. Many immigrants now worry: “What if my case is legally valid but not extraordinary?” This uncertainty is especially alarming for H-1B workers, marriage-based applicants, F-1 students, and employment-based immigrants with pending I-485 applications.
Yes — especially in employment-based green card cases. Many H-1B workers already face layoffs, retrogression, long green card backlogs, RFEs, and wage scrutiny. Now they also fear discretionary denials, employment-history scrutiny, and pressure toward consular processing.
Possibly. Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens may still remain among the safest categories. However, no category appears completely immune from increased scrutiny. Marriage-based applicants should carefully prepare relationship evidence, hardship evidence, financial documentation, and discretionary equities.
Potentially yes. USCIS cannot literally force immigrants to leave the United States. However, denial of adjustment may effectively leave consular processing as the only remaining option. For some immigrants, this may be extremely dangerous. Leaving the U.S. could potentially trigger unlawful presence bars, visa denials, administrative processing, or prolonged separation.
Official USCIS unlawful presence guidance: USCIS Unlawful Presence and Bars to Admissibility
This is critical. Applicants should begin gathering evidence showing positive discretionary factors. Potential evidence may include family evidence (marriage records, birth certificates, caregiving evidence, dependency documentation), financial evidence (tax returns, employment records, business ownership, property ownership), humanitarian evidence (medical records, psychological evaluations, hardship reports, country conditions evidence), community evidence (volunteer service, religious involvement, leadership roles, local contributions), and immigration compliance evidence (I-94 records, approval notices, lawful maintenance of status, prior immigration filings).
Based on more than 30 years practicing immigration law, I expect increased RFEs, more NOIDs, inconsistent discretionary standards, broader review of immigration history, expanded social media vetting, and increased federal litigation challenging arbitrary denials.
I also expect growing fear among H-1B workers, increased concern among international students, and more immigrants seeking legal “risk assessments” before filing I-485 applications.
[H2] What Should Immigrants Do Right Now?
Immigrants should begin by carefully reviewing their immigration history for status gaps, unauthorized employment, inconsistencies, or prior immigration problems. It is also essential to preserve all documentation, including tax returns, immigration approvals, employment records, and hardship evidence.
Strengthening positive equities is equally important. Positive discretionary evidence may matter more than ever. Finally, speak with an experienced immigration attorney. Strategic planning now matters enormously.
What does “extraordinary circumstances” mean in the new USCIS memo? USCIS has not clearly defined the phrase. Immigration lawyers believe it may involve strong humanitarian, family, economic, or national-interest factors.
Can USCIS deny my I-485 even if I qualify? Yes. Adjustment of status is discretionary.
Are H-1B workers at risk under the new memo? Potentially yes, especially where there are layoffs, status violations, or employment inconsistencies.
Are marriage-based green card cases safer? Possibly, but increased scrutiny may still occur.
Could USCIS force immigrants into consular processing? Not directly, but denial of adjustment may leave consular processing as the only remaining option.
Should immigrants leave the U.S. for consular processing? That depends entirely on the individual case. For some immigrants, departure may trigger serious immigration consequences.
The biggest problem with the new USCIS memo may not be what it says. It may be what it does not say. Right now, immigrants, employers, universities, and immigration lawyers are all asking the same question: “What exactly counts as extraordinary circumstances?”
Until USCIS provides clearer guidance, uncertainty itself may become one of the administration’s most powerful immigration tools. That is why preparation, documentation, strategic planning, and experienced legal guidance now matter more than ever.
If you are concerned about how the new USCIS I-485 memo may affect your case, schedule a confidential consultation with Herman Legal Group today.
By Richard Herman, Immigration Attorney with More Than 30 Years of Experience
H-1B professionals across the United States are asking the same urgent question right now: “Is it still safe to file adjustment of status?”
That fear exploded after the Trump administration released a new USCIS policy memorandum emphasizing that adjustment of status is discretionary, approval is not automatic, and many applicants may instead be expected to pursue consular processing abroad.
The memo has caused widespread anxiety among H-1B workers, physicians, engineers, tech professionals, researchers, F-1 students transitioning to H-1B, and employment-based green card applicants with pending Form I-485 applications. Many fear increased denials, RFEs, NOIDs, delays, or being pressured to leave the United States for consular processing.
For H-1B workers already facing layoffs, long green card backlogs, visa uncertainty, and retrogression, the new USCIS memo may represent one of the most significant immigration policy shifts in years.
This article explains whether H-1B workers should still file I-485, who may be most at risk, why adjustment of status may still be safer, what the new memo means, and what employment-based immigrants should do now.
This week, immigration attorney Richard Herman appeared on NPR-affiliated programming discussing the administration’s new adjustment-of-status policies and the growing risks facing employment-based immigrants.
Listen here:
In the interviews, Richard Herman discussed the new USCIS adjustment-of-status memo, risks to H-1B professionals, discretionary denials, pressure toward consular processing, and the uncertainty now facing employment-based immigrants.
Herman explained that many H-1B workers are now requesting detailed “immigration risk assessments” before filing Form I-485, changing employers, traveling internationally, or making long-term career decisions. The NPR interviews also explored growing fears among international students, skilled workers, physicians, and technology professionals who worry the administration’s new policies may disrupt decades of established adjustment-of-status practice.
On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 – Adjustment of Status and Discretion.
The memo emphasizes that adjustment of status is discretionary. It repeatedly states that adjustment of status is an “extraordinary act of grace.” This language has alarmed immigration lawyers nationwide because it signals more aggressive scrutiny, increased discretionary denials, and potentially greater pressure toward consular processing abroad.
Official USCIS discretionary guidance is available in the USCIS Policy Manual – Adjustment of Status Discretion.
Recent national reporting suggests the administration may increasingly favor consular processing over adjustment of status for many applicants.
H-1B workers already face extraordinary immigration uncertainty because of retrogression, PERM delays, layoffs, wage scrutiny, RFEs, and long employment-based green card backlogs.
Now many fear USCIS officers may more aggressively scrutinize maintenance of status, prior employment history, wage levels, job changes, benching, unauthorized employment, or technical status violations.
Many employment-based immigrants now worry: “Could USCIS deny my I-485 even if I qualify?” Unfortunately, yes. That is now one of the central concerns surrounding the memo.
Adjustment of status allows eligible immigrants already inside the United States to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country. Official USCIS guidance is available on USCIS Form I-485 and the Adjustment of Status Overview.
For many H-1B workers, adjustment of status has historically been the safest option because it may avoid unlawful presence triggers, reduce family separation, permit work authorization, allow Advance Parole travel, and avoid risky consular interviews abroad.
Potentially, yes. USCIS cannot literally force someone to leave the United States. However, USCIS can deny adjustment, refuse discretionary approval, or make consular processing the only remaining option. That is why many immigration lawyers are deeply concerned about the administration’s new policy direction.
For some immigrants, leaving the United States can trigger unlawful presence bars, administrative processing, visa denials, lengthy delays, or inability to return. Official USCIS unlawful presence guidance is available at USCIS Unlawful Presence and Bars to Admissibility.
Potential issues may include prior status gaps, unauthorized employment, old visa violations, or inconsistencies in immigration history. Some applicants may also face security checks, social media vetting, or enhanced screening abroad. Related: USCIS Vetting Center High-Risk Countries and Social Media Screening
Potentially higher-risk categories may include workers with layoffs or employment gaps, prior status violations, unauthorized employment, inconsistent filings, multiple employers, benching issues, or prior denials. USCIS officers may now scrutinize these issues much more aggressively.
Possibly. Some recent DHS statements suggest that immigrants who provide economic benefit, national interest value, or high-skilled labor may still receive favorable discretionary treatment. This could potentially help physicians, engineers, researchers, AI professionals, and highly compensated H-1B workers.
However, the standards remain extremely unclear. That uncertainty itself is now driving fear throughout the H-1B community.
For many immigrants: yes. Adjustment of status may still be safer than consular processing. However, strategy matters more than ever.
Before filing, H-1B workers should carefully evaluate maintenance of status, prior immigration history, unlawful presence concerns, travel risks, and long-term immigration strategy. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
This is critical. Employment-based applicants should organize pay records, tax returns, LCAs, I-797 approvals, employment verification letters, W-2s, immigration filings, and evidence of lawful maintenance of status.
Applicants should also strengthen positive equities, community ties, humanitarian evidence, and hardship documentation.
Based on more than 30 years practicing immigration law, I expect increased RFEs, broader discretionary review, more NOIDs, more scrutiny of employment history, and increased pressure toward consular processing.
I also expect growing federal litigation, inconsistent USCIS adjudications, and expanded social media and security vetting. These issues are already generating widespread concern among immigration lawyers, employers, universities, and multinational companies.
H-1B workers should begin by carefully reviewing their immigration history for status gaps, benching, unauthorized employment, or inconsistencies. It is also essential to preserve all documentation, including pay records, approval notices, tax returns, and immigration filings.
Avoid international travel without first obtaining legal advice. Travel risks may now be increasing. Strategic timing may become increasingly important under the new policy environment. Finally, speak with an experienced immigration attorney. The new memo creates enormous uncertainty, and legal strategy matters more than ever.
Should H-1B holders avoid filing I-485? Not necessarily. For many immigrants, adjustment of status may still be safer than consular processing.
Can USCIS deny an I-485 even if the applicant qualifies? Yes. Adjustment of status is discretionary.
Are H-1B workers now at greater risk? Potentially yes, especially where there are status violations, layoffs, or documentation issues.
Could USCIS force H-1B workers into consular processing? Not directly, but denial of adjustment may effectively leave consular processing as the only remaining pathway.
Are highly skilled workers safer? Possibly. DHS statements suggest applicants providing economic benefit or national interest value may receive more favorable treatment.
Should H-1B workers travel internationally right now? That depends on the individual case. Many applicants should seek legal advice before international travel.
The new USCIS adjustment-of-status memo has fundamentally changed the conversation surrounding employment-based immigration. For many H-1B workers, the question is no longer simply “When will my priority date become current?” It is now “Will USCIS still allow me to adjust status inside the United States?”
That uncertainty is reshaping immigration strategy nationwide. At the same time, panic is not the answer. Many H-1B workers may still qualify successfully for adjustment of status. But preparation, documentation, and strategic planning now matter more than ever.
If you are an H-1B worker concerned about how the new USCIS memo may affect your green card plans, schedule a confidential consultation with Herman Legal Group today.
By Richard Herman, Immigration Attorney with More Than 30 Years of Experience
One of the biggest fears immigrants now have under the Trump administration’s new immigration policies is this: “Can USCIS force me to leave the United States to get my green card?”
That fear is growing rapidly after the release of the new USCIS policy memorandum: USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 – Adjustment of Status and Discretion.
The memo has alarmed H-1B workers, F-1 students, marriage-based green card applicants, undocumented spouses, employment-based immigrants, and families with pending Form I-485 applications. Many immigrants now worry USCIS may deny adjustment of status, refuse to exercise discretion favorably, and effectively push applicants toward consular processing abroad.
In many cases, leaving the United States can be extremely dangerous from an immigration standpoint. For some immigrants, departing the U.S. could trigger 3-year bars, 10-year bars, unlawful presence penalties, visa denials, administrative processing, or prolonged family separation.
This article explains whether USCIS can force consular processing, what the new 2026 memo means, who is most at risk, why adjustment of status is often safer, and what immigrants should do now.
The growing fear surrounding the new USCIS adjustment-of-status memo has now become a national news story. This week, immigration attorney Richard Herman appeared on NPR-affiliated programming discussing how the administration’s new discretionary policies could dramatically affect pending I-485 applicants, H-1B professionals, F-1 students, marriage-based green card applicants, and immigrants considering consular processing.
Listen here:
During the interview, Richard Herman explained that many immigrants are increasingly worried USCIS may deny adjustment-of-status applications on discretionary grounds, issue more RFEs and NOIDs, and effectively pressure immigrants into consular processing abroad.
Herman warned that for many immigrants, leaving the United States may be legally dangerous. Potential consequences may include unlawful presence bars, visa denials, prolonged family separation, administrative processing, or inability to return. The NPR interviews also discussed the administration’s growing focus on immigration “risk assessments,” social media vetting, discretionary denials, and heightened scrutiny of immigration histories.
Richard Herman has also discussed similar themes in recent interviews regarding international students and immigration enforcement uncertainty: WBUR / NPR – Immigration Lawyer Says International Students Are Nervous to Come Study in the U.S.
Technically, no — but practically, sometimes yes. USCIS cannot literally order someone to leave the United States simply because they filed an I-485 application. However, USCIS can deny adjustment of status, refuse discretionary approval, issue Notices to Appear (NTAs), or make adjustment impossible.
In many situations, that leaves immigrants with only one remaining pathway: immigrant visa processing through a U.S. consulate abroad. That is why many immigration attorneys are deeply concerned about the administration’s new adjustment-of-status policies.
Consular processing means applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the United States. Instead of receiving a green card through Form I-485 adjustment of status, the immigrant leaves the U.S., attends an interview abroad, and seeks reentry as a permanent resident.
Official USCIS information: Adjustment of Status vs. Consular Processing Official State Department immigrant visa information: U.S. Department of State – Immigrant Visas
Because for many immigrants, leaving the United States may trigger serious immigration consequences. Potential risks include unlawful presence bars, prior removal order problems, visa denials, administrative processing, security checks, waivers, and being stranded abroad for months or years.
For some immigrants, departing the United States can trigger the 3-year or 10-year unlawful presence bars. Learn more: USCIS Unlawful Presence Bars and I-601A Provisional Waiver Resources.
The May 2026 USCIS memo repeatedly emphasizes that adjustment of status is discretionary. The memo states that Adjustment is an “extraordinary act of grace.” That language has alarmed immigration lawyers nationwide because it signals stricter scrutiny, broader discretionary denials, and potentially greater pressure toward consular processing.
Read the memo: USCIS PM-602-0199
For many immigrants, adjustment of status inside the United States is safer because it may avoid unlawful presence triggers, reduce family separation, allow work authorization, permit Advance Parole travel, and provide stronger procedural protections.
Adjustment applicants may also avoid dangerous consular uncertainty, local embassy backlogs, or geopolitical instability abroad. Official USCIS adjustment guidance: USCIS Form I-485
The highest-risk categories may include immigrants with unlawful presence, prior visa overstays, unauthorized employment, status violations, immigration fraud allegations, criminal arrests, prior removal proceedings, multiple entries, or inconsistent filings.
Potentially vulnerable groups may include H-1B workers after layoffs, F-1 students with SEVIS issues, undocumented spouses, and immigrants with prior denials. Related: SEVIS Termination Risks for International Students, Marriage Green Card Resources, and H-1B Immigration Resources
Yes. This is one of the most important developments in the new memo. The memo strongly emphasizes that eligibility alone may not be enough. USCIS officers may now weigh discretion, equities, immigration history, credibility, compliance, and “favorable exercise of discretion.”
This could result in more RFEs, more NOIDs, and more discretionary denials. Official USCIS discretionary guidance: USCIS Policy Manual – Discretion
Potential consequences may include loss of work authorization, unlawful presence, removal proceedings, Notices to Appear, ICE referral, or pressure to depart the United States. Some immigrants may still have appeals, motions to reopen, federal litigation, waivers, or refiling options.
Yes. This is one of the greatest dangers. Immigrants who accrued significant unlawful presence before departing may trigger INA 212(a)(9)(B). Potential penalties include 3-year bars, 10-year bars, or permanent inadmissibility issues.
Official USCIS guidance: Unlawful Presence and Bars to Admissibility
Some immigrants may require Form I-601 waivers or Form I-601A provisional waivers. Related: Extreme Hardship Waiver Resources and I-601A Provisional Waiver Guide
Based on more than 30 years practicing immigration law, I expect more discretionary denials, increased pressure toward consular processing, expanded social media vetting, more security-related delays, and increased immigrant fear regarding international travel.
I also expect more aggressive review of prior immigration history, broader “risk assessment” practices, and more federal litigation challenging arbitrary denials. These issues have increasingly become topics of national media coverage.
Immigrants should begin by carefully reviewing their immigration history for unlawful presence, prior visa overstays, status gaps, or prior removal orders. It is also essential to preserve all documentation, including tax returns, immigration filings, approval notices, pay records, and family evidence.
Do not leave the U.S. without legal advice. Departure could trigger severe immigration consequences. Build positive equities showing family unity, community contribution, humanitarian hardship, and good moral character. Finally, speak with an experienced immigration lawyer. The new memo creates enormous uncertainty, and strategic planning now matters more than ever.
Can USCIS legally force me to leave the U.S.? Not directly. But USCIS can deny adjustment of status, which may leave consular processing as the only remaining option.
Why is consular processing dangerous? Because leaving the U.S. can trigger unlawful presence bars, visa denials, or long-term separation.
Is adjustment of status safer? For many immigrants, yes. It often avoids unlawful presence triggers and allows processing inside the U.S.
Can USCIS deny my I-485 even if eligible? Yes. Adjustment of status is discretionary.
Can I travel internationally while my I-485 is pending? Possibly, but travel without proper authorization can be risky. Always obtain individualized legal advice first.
What if USCIS denies my adjustment case? You may still have options including motions, appeals, waivers, refiling, or federal litigation.
The new USCIS adjustment-of-status memo has fundamentally changed how many immigrants view green card processing. The greatest fear for many families is no longer simply “Will my case be delayed?” It is now “Will I be forced to leave the United States?”
For many immigrants, consular processing is not merely inconvenient — it may be legally dangerous. That is why strategic immigration planning has become more important than ever.
If you are concerned about how the new USCIS memo may affect your case or force you into consular processing, schedule a confidential consultation with Herman Legal Group today.
By Richard Herman, Immigration Attorney with More Than 30 Years of Experience
The immigration world changed dramatically in May 2026. A new USCIS policy memorandum titled “Adjustment of Status and Discretion” is sending shockwaves through immigrant communities, especially among H-1B professionals, F-1 students, marriage-based applicants, employment-based immigrants, and families with pending green card applications.
National media outlets — including NPR affiliates and WBUR’s Here & Now — have increasingly turned to immigration attorney Richard Herman to explain the growing uncertainty surrounding green card adjudications and the administration’s new discretionary scrutiny policies.
Many immigrants are now asking: “Will USCIS deny my I-485 even if I qualify?” “Am I safer doing consular processing?” “What are ‘extraordinary circumstances’?” “Should I leave the United States?” and “Who is most at risk under the new USCIS memo?”
These fears are understandable. The new USCIS memo appears to encourage immigration officers to apply far more aggressive discretionary scrutiny to adjustment of status applications. In plain English: Even if you are legally eligible for a green card, USCIS may still deny your I-485 application as a matter of discretion.
This article explains what the new USCIS memo means, who is safest, who is most vulnerable, how USCIS may apply the new policy, what evidence immigrants should prepare immediately, and what strategies may reduce denial risk.
Richard Herman has recently appeared on NPR-affiliated programming discussing adjustment-of-status risks, immigration “risk assessments,” social media vetting, international student anxiety, and the administration’s increasingly aggressive immigration posture.
NPR / WBUR Interview: Trump Administration Changes Green Card Rules
In a widely circulated Here & Now interview syndicated across NPR affiliates, Richard Herman discussed the administration’s new green card policies and uncertainty surrounding adjustment-of-status adjudications.
Read and listen here: • WBUR / NPR – Trump Administration Changes Rules to Obtain Green Cards • NPR Illinois / Here & Now Interview
During the interview, Richard Herman explained that the new USCIS memo could significantly affect pending I-485 applicants, H-1B professionals, international students, and families seeking green cards inside the United States. The segment also highlighted uncertainty regarding consular processing, discretionary denials, and the meaning of “favorable exercise of discretion.”
On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, emphasizing that adjustment of status is discretionary, approval is not automatic, and applicants must demonstrate they deserve favorable discretion.
The memo relies heavily on the idea that adjustment of status is an “extraordinary act of grace.” That language is alarming because it signals a major philosophical shift. For years, many adjustment applicants assumed: “If I am eligible, my green card will probably be approved.” The new memo suggests USCIS officers may now scrutinize applicants more aggressively, deny more borderline cases, issue more RFEs and NOIDs, and potentially steer more immigrants toward consular processing.
USCIS already discusses discretionary analysis in its official USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 7, Part A, Chapter 10.
Form I-485 is the application used to “Adjust Status” to Permanent Resident. This allows eligible immigrants already inside the United States to apply for a green card without leaving the country. Official USCIS resources: USCIS Form I-485 and Adjustment of Status Overview.
Common I-485 categories include marriage-based green cards, family sponsorship, employment-based immigration, asylum adjustments, refugee adjustments, VAWA, SIJS, and humanitarian immigration programs.
Related Herman Legal Group resources: Marriage Green Card Resources, Employment-Based Immigration Resources, H-1B Immigration Resources, and F-1 Student Visa Resources
Because adjustment of status is often the safest immigration pathway. Historically, many immigrants preferred adjustment because it avoids risky consular interviews abroad, reduces family separation, prevents visa reentry problems, and may provide stronger procedural protections.
Now many fear USCIS could deny more cases, force applicants into consular processing, or place immigrants into removal proceedings after denial. Immigration attorneys nationwide are increasingly concerned that discretionary denials may become significantly more common under the administration’s new approach.
Generally, the safest applicants may include immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, applicants with long lawful history, individuals with no criminal record, strong financial evidence, stable employment, and compelling family equities.
Even these applicants may face more RFEs, deeper scrutiny, and longer processing times. Applicants should carefully document family unity, hardship, employment, community ties, and lawful conduct.
Related: USCIS I-864 RFE Crisis 2025–2026 and Public Charge Inadmissibility Under Trump 2.0
The highest-risk categories may include immigrants with prior status violations, unauthorized employment, unlawful presence, visa overstays, criminal arrests, immigration fraud allegations, inconsistent filings, prior removal proceedings, or weak documentation.
Related: USCIS Marriage Interview Overstay Arrest Risks and Motion to Reopen After I-485 Denial
Based on more than 30 years practicing immigration law, I expect increased RFEs, more NOIDs, rising discretionary denials, greater pressure toward consular processing, and increased federal litigation challenging arbitrary USCIS adjudications.
I also expect more scrutiny of social media, deeper review of immigration history, and broader “risk assessment” analysis by immigration officers. These concerns have already become major topics in national media interviews discussing the administration’s evolving immigration policies.
Applicants should immediately begin organizing tax returns, employment records, immigration approvals, hardship evidence, medical records, psychological evaluations, and proof of strong community ties. Positive discretionary evidence may now matter more than ever.
The 2026 USCIS adjustment-of-status memo may become one of the most important immigration policy shifts in years. The biggest takeaway is this: eligibility alone may no longer be enough.
Immigrants must now think strategically about discretion, documentation, humanitarian equities, and long-term immigration risk. At the same time, panic is not the answer. Many immigrants will still qualify successfully. But preparation, evidence, and legal strategy matter more than ever.
If you are concerned about I-485 denial risk, RFEs, NOIDs, unlawful presence, consular processing, or immigration court consequences, schedule a confidential consultation with Herman Legal Group today.
Herman Legal Group helps individuals, families, workers, students, and detained immigrants understand their options and act quickly. Speak with an experienced immigration lawyer about visas, green cards, deportation defense, detention, citizenship, asylum, and urgent case issues.
We can help you assess your situation and understand what steps may be available.
Yes. An immigration lawyer can evaluate your options, identify deadlines, explain risks, prepare filings, respond to government notices, represent you in court, and help you avoid mistakes that may carry long-term consequences.
You should contact an immigration lawyer as soon as you receive a denial, an RFE, a court notice, an ICE-related issue, or you are unsure how travel, marriage, job loss, arrest, or status expiration may affect your case.
Urgent immigration matters often get worse with delay. If you are detained, facing removal, out of status, blocked at the border, or worried about a filing deadline, you should seek legal advice immediately.
Herman Legal Group assists with a wide range of immigration matters for individuals, families, professionals, students, employers, and detained immigrants.
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Meet with Herman Legal Group in downtown Cleveland for immigration consultations, family-based cases, deportation defense, work visas, naturalization matters, and urgent immigration strategy.
Herman Legal Group also serves clients in the Columbus area through its Worthington office, handling family immigration, employment immigration, citizenship, and removal defense matters.
FAQ sections help both conversion and answer-engine visibility.
Costs vary depending on the type and complexity of the case. A consultation can help clarify the legal issues, the likely work involved, and the available next steps.
Yes. Many undocumented immigrants may still have possible forms of relief, defenses, waivers, or family-based or humanitarian options depending on the facts of the case.
Yes. Urgent cases may involve detention strategy, bond issues, court filings, motions, appeals, or emergency planning. Time often matters in these situations.
Not every matter legally requires an attorney, but immigration cases can carry serious consequences. Legal guidance may help reduce errors, delays, inconsistencies, and missed opportunities.
Get experienced legal guidance and a clearer plan for what to do next.
Herman Legal Group • The Law Firm for Immigrants
CLEVELAND (HEADQUARTER)
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