Top 10 I-485 Denial Risks in 2026

By Richard Herman, Immigration Attorney with More Than 30 Years of Experience

The immigration landscape changed dramatically in May 2026. A new USCIS policy memorandum now warns that adjustment of status is an “extraordinary” discretionary benefit — not an entitlement. That memo, officially titled USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 – Adjustment of Status is a Matter of Discretion and Administrative Grace, has triggered widespread fear among H-1B professionals, F-1 students, marriage-based green card applicants, employment-based immigrants, undocumented spouses, physicians, tech workers, and families with pending Form I-485 applications.

Many immigrants are now asking: “Can USCIS deny my green card even if I qualify?” “What are the biggest I-485 denial risks now?” “Will USCIS force me into consular processing?” and “What evidence should I prepare immediately?”

The answer is clear: discretionary scrutiny is increasing. While the memo does not formally change the law, immigration lawyers nationwide believe USCIS officers may now issue more RFEs, more NOIDs, deny more adjustment applications, and apply far more aggressive discretionary analysis.

This article explains the top 10 I-485 denial risks in 2026, how USCIS may apply the new memo, and what immigrants should do immediately to reduce risk.

Richard Herman Discusses the New USCIS Memo on NPR This Week

This week, immigration attorney Richard Herman appeared on multiple NPR-affiliated programs discussing the administration’s new adjustment-of-status policies and the growing risks facing immigrants with pending I-485 applications.

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 I-485 applications, changing employers, traveling internationally, or deciding whether to remain in the United States. The interviews discussed growing concerns about discretionary denials, consular processing pressure, social media vetting, and increased scrutiny of immigration histories.

Richard Herman also recently discussed immigration 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.

What Changed Under the New USCIS I-485 Memo?

On May 21, 2026, USCIS issued PM-602-0199 emphasizing that adjustment of status is discretionary, consular processing is the “ordinary” pathway, and adjustment inside the U.S. should be viewed as extraordinary relief.

The memo repeatedly states that adjustment of status is a matter of “administrative grace.” That language has alarmed immigration lawyers because it suggests officers may deny more cases, eligibility alone may no longer be enough, and applicants may need to prove stronger positive equities.

Official USCIS guidance:

• USCIS Policy Manual – Adjustment of Status Discretion

• USCIS Form I-485

Top 10 I-485 Denial Risks in 2026

1. Unlawful Presence One of the greatest risks remains unlawful presence. If USCIS denies adjustment and the applicant leaves the United States, this may trigger 3-year bars, 10-year bars, or other inadmissibility issues. Official guidance: USCIS Unlawful Presence and Bars to Admissibility. Related: I-601A Provisional Waiver Resources.

2. Unauthorized Employment The new memo specifically emphasizes immigration compliance history, lawful conduct, and violations of status. Unauthorized employment may now receive much heavier scrutiny. This is especially dangerous for F-1 students, B-1/B-2 visitors, and applicants with undocumented work history.

3. Status Violations USCIS officers are now being instructed to review maintenance of status, overstays, parole compliance, and conduct inconsistent with visa purpose. Potential risks include SEVIS violations, benching, unauthorized study, or employment gaps. Related: F-1 Student Visa Resources and H-1B Immigration Resources.

4. Fraud or Misrepresentation The memo repeatedly references fraud and misrepresentation concerns as serious negative discretionary factors. Potential issues include inconsistent applications, false statements, sham marriages, fake employment, or visa fraud allegations. Even old allegations may now receive renewed scrutiny.

5. Failure to Depart the United States One of the most controversial aspects of the memo is its emphasis on “failure to depart.” USCIS appears to suggest that remaining in the U.S. to pursue adjustment rather than consular processing may itself become a negative discretionary factor. This represents a major philosophical shift in adjustment adjudications.

6. Weak Positive Equities The memo strongly implies that absence of negative factors is not enough. Applicants may now need affirmative evidence showing humanitarian concerns, strong family ties, national-interest contributions, community involvement, or exceptional hardship. Potential evidence may include medical records, psychological evaluations, caregiving responsibilities, volunteer work, and proof of community contribution.

7. Social Media and Security Vetting Many immigrants fear expanding social media review, AI-driven vetting, and “risk assessment” screening. These concerns were specifically discussed in Richard Herman’s NPR interviews this week. Related: USCIS Vetting Center High-Risk Countries and Social Media Screening.

8. Employment History Problems Employment-based applicants may face increased scrutiny regarding wage levels, layoffs, benching, job duties, PERM compliance, and maintenance of H-1B or L-1 status. Even dual-intent visa holders may no longer be automatically viewed favorably.

9. Criminal Arrests or Conduct Issues Even where no conviction exists, USCIS officers may now scrutinize arrests, police reports, dismissed charges, or allegations involving moral character. Adjustment remains discretionary, meaning officers may consider the “totality of circumstances.”

10. Consular Processing Risks After Denial If USCIS denies adjustment, many immigrants may effectively be pushed toward consular processing abroad. For some immigrants, leaving the U.S. may trigger unlawful presence bars, administrative processing, visa denials, or prolonged family separation. This is one of the greatest fears now facing I-485 applicants.

Which Immigrants May Be Safest?

Potentially safer groups may include immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, applicants with long lawful history, dual-intent visa holders, applicants with strong humanitarian equities, physicians, engineers, researchers, and immigrants with strong community ties.

However, no category appears completely immune from increased scrutiny under the new memo.

What Should Immigrants Do Right Now?

Immigrants should begin by carefully reviewing their entire immigration history for status gaps, unlawful presence, inconsistent filings, or prior violations. Early identification of potential issues allows for better preparation and strategy.

It is also essential to preserve all documentation, including pay records, tax returns, immigration filings, I-94 records, approval notices, and hardship evidence. Organized records help demonstrate compliance and positive equities.

Strengthening positive equities is equally important. Immigrants should prepare evidence showing family unity, community contribution, humanitarian hardship, and good moral character.

Avoid international travel without first obtaining legal advice. Travel risks may now be increasing substantially under the new memo.

Finally, consult an experienced immigration attorney. Strategic planning now matters more than ever.

Richard Herman’s Predictions for 2026

Based on more than 30 years practicing immigration law, I expect more RFEs, more NOIDs, increased discretionary denials, greater pressure toward consular processing, expanded social media vetting, and significant federal litigation challenging arbitrary denials.

I also expect inconsistent adjudications across field offices, greater fear among employment-based immigrants, and increased uncertainty for H-1B workers and international students.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can USCIS deny my I-485 even if I qualify? Yes. Adjustment of status is discretionary.

What is the biggest I-485 denial risk right now? Potentially unlawful presence, status violations, fraud concerns, or weak discretionary equities.

Are H-1B workers safer? Potentially safer than single-intent visa holders, but not immune from scrutiny.

Could USCIS force immigrants into consular processing? Not directly. But denial of adjustment may effectively leave consular processing as the only remaining pathway.

Are marriage-based green card cases safer? Possibly, but increased scrutiny may still occur.

Will USCIS issue more RFEs and NOIDs now? Most immigration lawyers expect yes.

Final Thoughts

The new USCIS I-485 memo may become one of the most important immigration policy changes in years. The biggest takeaway is this: eligibility alone may no longer be enough. USCIS officers are now being encouraged to scrutinize immigration history, evaluate discretionary equities, and apply broader “totality of circumstances” analysis.

For immigrants with pending I-485 applications, preparation now matters more than ever.

If you are concerned about I-485 denial risks, RFEs, NOIDs, unlawful presence, consular processing, H-1B strategy, social media vetting, or immigration discretion, schedule a confidential consultation with Herman Legal Group today.