The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on May 22 announced a change in how it will decide adjustment of status (or green card) applications filed within the United States. As outlined in policy memorandum PM-602-0199 (PDF), the agency will now approve applications to adjust to green card status within the United States only as a matter of “extraordinary relief” and an act of “administrative grace,” effective immediately. Per the announcement, applicants should prepare to obtain green cards by applying at a U.S. consulate abroad.
While the adjustment of status path to a green card within the United States remains in place, it is anticipated to become significantly more challenging under the newly announced policy. Prior to this policy update, the vast majority of lawful permanent resident (LPR), or green card, applicants became green-card holders through filing an “adjustment of status” application with the USCIS while the applicant remained in the United States.
It is anticipated that most foreign national academic health system community professionals will not lose work authorization or legal status, even if this policy is to be applied with full and immediate force. The AAMC is continuing to monitor further guidance and statements from the administration as to how this new policy will operate in practice.