Aunque muchas personas han interpretado este memorándum como el fin del Ajuste de Estatus, eso simplemente no es cierto.
Lo primero que debe saber es que el Ajuste de Estatus NO ha sido eliminado.
La ley federal sigue permitiendo que muchas personas elegibles soliciten la residencia permanente desde dentro de los Estados Unidos. USCIS continúa aceptando y aprobando solicitudes de Ajuste de Estatus todos los días.
El memorándum no cambia la ley. Lo que hace es recordar a los oficiales de inmigración que deben analizar cuidadosamente si un solicitante merece una aprobación favorable como cuestión de discreción.
En otras palabras, cumplir con los requisitos básicos de elegibilidad puede no ser suficiente. USCIS ahora está enfatizando la importancia de demostrar por qué el solicitante merece recibir la residencia permanente.
En el memorándum, USCIS describe el Ajuste de Estatus como una forma "extraordinaria" de alivio migratorio porque permite que ciertas personas obtengan la residencia permanente sin tener que salir del país y completar el proceso consular en el extranjero.
USCIS recuerda a sus oficiales que el Ajuste de Estatus es una cuestión de discreción administrativa y que deben evaluar cuidadosamente todos los factores positivos y negativos antes de aprobar una solicitud.
Además, el memorándum señala que los oficiales deben determinar si otorgar la residencia permanente es consistente con los mejores intereses de los Estados Unidos.
Bajo esta nueva guía, los oficiales pueden examinar una amplia variedad de factores al decidir si aprueban o no una solicitud de residencia permanente.
Entre ellos se encuentran:
USCIS ha dejado claro que los oficiales deben evaluar el expediente completo y tomar una decisión basada en la totalidad de las circunstancias.
Este memorándum envía un mensaje claro: USCIS realizará un análisis más profundo de muchos casos de Ajuste de Estatus.
Es posible que veamos un aumento en:
Por esta razón, es más importante que nunca preparar una solicitud sólida y bien documentada.
Muchas personas intentan presentar sus solicitudes por cuenta propia basándose en información obtenida en redes sociales, grupos de internet, amigos o notarios.
Sin embargo, cada caso es diferente.
Un caso que parece sencillo puede contener problemas relacionados con entradas al país, presencia ilegal, antecedentes penales, errores en solicitudes anteriores o situaciones familiares que podrían afectar seriamente el resultado de la solicitud.
Bajo esta nueva política, los solicitantes deben estar preparados para demostrar no solamente que califican para la residencia, sino también por qué merecen una decisión favorable.
La presentación adecuada de evidencia positiva puede marcar una diferencia significativa en el resultado de un caso.
Un abogado de inmigración con experiencia puede identificar problemas antes de que se conviertan en obstáculos, ayudar a reunir evidencia favorable, preparar una estrategia sólida y presentar el caso de la manera más efectiva posible.
Esperar hasta recibir una Solicitud de Evidencia o una Intención de Denegar puede ser demasiado tarde.
Los casos más exitosos suelen ser aquellos que se preparan correctamente desde el principio.
Si está considerando solicitar la residencia permanente mediante Ajuste de Estatus, ya presentó su solicitud o tiene preguntas sobre cómo este nuevo memorándum podría afectar su caso, comuníquese con Zambrano Law.
Nuestra firma monitorea constantemente los cambios en las leyes y políticas migratorias para ayudar a nuestros clientes a navegar exitosamente el proceso migratorio.
Llame hoy mismo al 770-769-5821 para programar una consulta.
No. El Ajuste de Estatus continúa disponible para las personas que califican bajo la ley.
No. El memorándum no modifica la ley. Sin embargo, enfatiza la discreción que USCIS tiene para aprobar o negar muchas solicitudes de Ajuste de Estatus.
Sí. El memorándum indica que los oficiales pueden considerar factores como historial laboral, cumplimiento tributario, carácter moral, historial migratorio y otros factores positivos o negativos.
Debido al mayor énfasis en la discreción y en la evaluación de factores positivos y negativos, es recomendable consultar con un abogado de inmigración antes de presentar una solicitud de residencia permanente.
Llame a Zambrano Law al [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"] y permita que nuestro equipo evalúe su caso y le ayude a preparar la solicitud más sólida posible.
Basado en el Memorándum de Política USCIS PM-602-0199 del 21 de mayo de 2026.
]]>Despite rumors circulating on social media, Adjustment of Status has not been eliminated.
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) still allows many eligible individuals to apply for lawful permanent residence from within the United States. USCIS continues to accept and approve green card applications through Adjustment of Status every day.
However, the new memorandum makes clear that USCIS officers are expected to place greater emphasis on discretionary factors when deciding whether an applicant deserves approval.
In other words, meeting the basic legal requirements for a green card may not always be enough. USCIS officers are being reminded to evaluate the entire person and determine whether granting permanent residence is warranted under the totality of the circumstances.
The memorandum repeatedly states that Adjustment of Status is an "extraordinary" form of relief that allows certain applicants to obtain permanent residence without having to leave the United States and complete the traditional consular processing procedure abroad.
USCIS emphasizes that Adjustment of Status is a matter of discretion and administrative grace. As a result, immigration officers are instructed to carefully weigh both favorable and unfavorable factors before approving an application.
The agency also reminds officers that they must determine whether approval of the application is in the best interests of the United States.
Under the new guidance, USCIS officers may evaluate a variety of factors when deciding whether to exercise discretion favorably.
These factors may include:
USCIS officers are instructed to review all available evidence and consider both positive and negative factors before making a final decision.
Many applicants assume that if they are married to a U.S. citizen or otherwise qualify for a green card, approval is guaranteed.
That has never been entirely true.
What this memorandum signals is that USCIS may conduct a more thorough discretionary review of Adjustment of Status applications than in the past.
Applicants may begin receiving more Requests for Evidence (RFEs), Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs), and additional questioning during interviews regarding their background, employment history, tax compliance, and overall character.
This means that preparing a strong application is more important than ever.
One of the biggest mistakes we see is individuals attempting to navigate the immigration process on their own.
Many people rely on information from social media, friends, family members, online forums, or notarios. Unfortunately, every immigration case is unique, and advice that works for one person may be completely wrong for another.
A seemingly simple Adjustment of Status case may involve issues related to unlawful presence, prior immigration violations, criminal history, prior entries into the United States, or other factors that could significantly affect the outcome of the case.
Under this new policy guidance, properly documenting positive factors and addressing potential concerns before filing may make a significant difference.
An experienced immigration attorney can help identify potential issues before they become problems, gather evidence supporting a favorable exercise of discretion, prepare a comprehensive application package, and ensure that your case is presented in the strongest possible light.
In today's immigration environment, waiting until USCIS issues a Request for Evidence or Notice of Intent to Deny may be too late.
The strongest cases are often the ones that are properly prepared from the beginning.
If you are considering applying for a green card through Adjustment of Status, have already filed an application, or have questions about how this new USCIS policy may affect your case, contact Zambrano Law today.
Our team closely monitors changes in immigration law and policy and is committed to helping immigrants and their families navigate the green card process successfully.
Call Zambrano Law today at 770-769-5820 to schedule a consultation.
No. Adjustment of Status remains available for eligible applicants under the Immigration and Nationality Act.
No. The memorandum does not change the law. Instead, it emphasizes USCIS's existing authority to approve or deny many Adjustment of Status applications as a matter of discretion.
Yes. The memorandum specifically encourages officers to consider factors such as employment history, tax compliance, moral character, immigration history, and other positive or negative equities.
Given the increased focus on discretionary factors, applicants should strongly consider consulting with an experienced immigration attorney before filing to ensure their case is properly prepared and documented.
Need help with your green card application? Call Zambrano Law today at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"].
This article is based on the USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199 issued on May 21, 2026.
]]>El 20 de mayo de 2026, un juez federal del Distrito Central de California certificó varias clases nacionales y otorgó medidas cautelares significativas contra el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS), ICE y el Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos (USCIS). La demanda desafía una política implementada por ICE en enero de 2025 que cambió drásticamente la manera en que el gobierno trata a víctimas de delitos, violencia doméstica y trata de personas que tienen beneficios migratorios pendientes.
Durante años, ICE generalmente evitó detener o deportar a personas con solicitudes pendientes de Visa U, Visa T o VAWA mientras USCIS evaluaba sus casos. Estas protecciones fueron creadas por el Congreso para incentivar que las víctimas denunciaran delitos, cooperaran con las autoridades y buscaran protección sin temor a ser deportadas.
Sin embargo, en enero de 2025, ICE adoptó una nueva política que permitió a los oficiales iniciar acciones de inmigración contra muchas de estas personas, incluso cuando tenían solicitudes pendientes o habían recibido acción diferida por parte de USCIS.
Organizaciones defensoras de inmigrantes presentaron una demanda argumentando que esta política violaba la ley federal y eliminaba protecciones que el Congreso había otorgado expresamente a las víctimas.
El tribunal federal certificó clases nacionales que incluyen:
El tribunal concluyó que los demandantes probablemente tendrán éxito en varias de sus reclamaciones y ordenó medidas preliminares para limitar la aplicación de ciertas políticas de ICE mientras el litigio continúa.
La decisión reconoce que los solicitantes de beneficios migratorios para víctimas tienen importantes protecciones legales.
El tribunal expresó preocupación por situaciones en las que ICE:
Esta decisión fortalece los argumentos legales disponibles para inmigrantes con casos pendientes de Visa U, Visa T o VAWA que enfrentan procesos de detención o deportación.
Usted podría estar protegido por esta demanda colectiva si:
Cada caso es diferente y requiere un análisis individual por parte de un abogado de inmigración con experiencia.
Si usted o un ser querido tiene una Visa U, Visa T o petición VAWA pendiente y actualmente enfrenta detención o deportación, es fundamental buscar asesoría legal de inmediato.
Estos casos pueden requerir acciones urgentes, incluyendo:
Actuar rápidamente puede marcar la diferencia entre permanecer con su familia en los Estados Unidos o ser deportado.
En Zambrano Law luchamos todos los días por inmigrantes detenidos, personas en procesos de deportación y víctimas que buscan protección mediante Visas U, Visas T y peticiones VAWA.
Nuestra firma cuenta con amplia experiencia en defensa contra la deportación, audiencias de fianza, litigios federales y casos complejos de inmigración en todo el país.
Si usted o un familiar tiene una Visa U, Visa T o petición VAWA pendiente y enfrenta problemas con ICE, no espere para buscar ayuda.
Llame hoy mismo al [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"]
Zambrano Law 1995 N Park Place, Suite 360 Atlanta, GA 30339
Su futuro en los Estados Unidos puede depender de actuar a tiempo. Permítanos evaluar su caso y luchar por usted y su familia.
]]>In a landmark decision issued on May 20, 2026, the United States District Court for the Central District of California certified several nationwide classes and granted significant preliminary relief against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ICE, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The lawsuit challenges a January 2025 ICE policy that dramatically changed how the government treats victims of crime, domestic violence, and human trafficking who have pending immigration benefits.
For many years, ICE generally refrained from detaining or removing individuals with pending U visa, T visa, and VAWA applications while USCIS reviewed their cases. These protections were designed to encourage victims of crime and abuse to come forward, cooperate with law enforcement, and seek protection without fear of deportation.
In January 2025, ICE adopted a new policy that allowed officers to pursue immigration enforcement against many of these individuals despite their pending applications and, in some cases, despite USCIS grants of deferred action.
Immigrant advocates challenged the policy in federal court, arguing that it violated federal law and stripped applicants of protections that Congress intended them to receive.
The federal court certified nationwide classes that include:
The court found that the plaintiffs were likely to succeed on several important claims and entered preliminary relief preventing ICE from enforcing portions of the challenged policies while the case continues.
The decision recognizes that applicants for victim-based immigration benefits are entitled to important statutory protections.
The court specifically expressed concern about situations where ICE:
The ruling provides strong legal support for immigrants who have pending U visa, T visa, or VAWA cases and who are facing detention or removal proceedings.
You may benefit from this decision if:
Every case is different, and eligibility for relief depends on your individual circumstances.
If you or a loved one has a pending U visa, T visa, or VAWA case and is currently detained by ICE or facing deportation, it is critical to speak with an experienced immigration attorney immediately.
These cases often involve complex legal issues, emergency filings, bond requests, motions before the immigration court, federal habeas corpus litigation, and negotiations with ICE.
The law is rapidly evolving, and acting quickly can make a significant difference.
At Zambrano Law, we fight for immigrants in detention, individuals facing deportation, and victims seeking protection through U visas, T visas, and VAWA petitions.
Our firm has extensive experience handling removal defense, bond hearings, federal habeas corpus litigation, and complex immigration matters throughout the United States.
If you or a family member has a pending U visa, T visa, or VAWA case and is facing detention or removal, contact Zambrano Law immediately.
Call us today at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"]
Zambrano Law 1995 N Park Place, Suite 360 Atlanta, Georgia 30339
Do not wait until it is too late. Early intervention can make all the difference in protecting your rights and keeping families together.
]]>This policy change could have serious consequences for immigrants seeking humanitarian relief, deferred action connected to pending applications, or other discretionary immigration benefits.
Deferred action is a temporary decision by the government not to pursue deportation against a person for a certain period of time. It does not provide lawful status, but it can sometimes allow a person to remain in the United States temporarily and, in some cases, apply for work authorization.
Historically, deferred action has been used in humanitarian situations and in cases where USCIS believed an individual deserved favorable discretion.
However, USCIS has now made clear that it believes deferred action should be rare and limited.
According to the new policy guidance, USCIS states that deferred action:
USCIS also emphasized that simply having a pending immigration application or experiencing the normal hardship associated with removal is not enough to justify deferred action.
This means that many immigrants who may have previously expected deferred action while waiting on immigration benefits could now face denials or increased scrutiny.
This policy signals a significant tightening in how USCIS exercises discretion.
Many immigrants unknowingly file applications, requests, or supporting documentation believing they may qualify for deferred action or related protections. Under this new guidance, submitting the wrong request without understanding the legal consequences could expose individuals to unnecessary immigration risks.
More than ever, immigrants should avoid filing applications or requesting discretionary relief without first consulting with an experienced immigration attorney.
Every immigration case is different. What may appear to be a straightforward request could trigger unintended consequences depending on a person’s immigration history, manner of entry, prior removal orders, criminal history, or pending proceedings.
Before submitting any immigration benefit request, it is important to understand:
Immigration law continues to change rapidly, and policies like this one demonstrate how important individualized legal advice has become.
At Zambrano Law, we carefully evaluate each client’s case to determine the safest and strongest legal strategy possible. Our firm represents individuals and families in complex immigration matters, including removal defense, humanitarian relief, waivers, detention cases, and federal litigation.
If you or a loved one are considering filing for an immigration benefit or requesting deferred action, call Zambrano Law today at [nap_phone id="LOCAL-CT-NUMBER-1"] to schedule a consultation.
Do not submit immigration applications or requests without first understanding the possible consequences. A mistake in immigration law can have life-changing consequences.
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