A new memo issued by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has reportedly changed the approach toward green card processing in the United States. Immigration attorneys are now advising applicants to be more careful and avoid treating adjustment of status filings as routine paperwork.
Houston-based immigration attorney Rahul Reddy stated that many applicants mistakenly view Form I-485 as a simple formality. According to him, USCIS officers are now being reminded that adjustment of status approvals involve discretionary decisions rather than automatic approvals based only on eligibility.
Because of this shift, lawyers are warning applicants not to depend entirely on an EAD for work authorisation while waiting for green card approval. Attorneys reportedly suggest that eligible applicants should maintain valid H-1B or L-1 visa status whenever possible instead of relying solely on a pending I-485 application.
Travel outside the United States has also become a point of concern for many applicants. Immigration lawyers are advising individuals to be cautious because problems with a pending I-485 application while abroad could create complications during re-entry into the country.
The updated USCIS approach is reportedly creating additional concerns among H-1B and L-1 visa holders. Rahul Reddy suggested that applicants should maintain stronger documentation, including tax filings, employment records, lawful status history, and evidence of family or community ties within the United States.
Immigration experts emphasise that there is no immediate reason for panic among green card applicants. However, they also stress that applicants should avoid being casual about documentation and compliance requirements. In the current USCIS environment, even straightforward cases may require stronger supporting evidence to improve approval chances.
