Democratic Lawmakers Challenge USCIS Green Card Policy Shift

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Jamie Raskin and Senate Democrats including Dick Durbin and Alex Padilla sent a letter to USCIS Director Joseph Edlow objecting to a new policy memorandum (PM‑602‑0199) issued on May 21, 2026. The memorandum requires non‑citizens seeking lawful permanent residence to apply for a green card abroad and treats adjustment of status as an “extraordinary form of relief,” effectively preferring consular processing over the traditional in‑country procedure.

The lawmakers argue the guidance lacks legal basis, reverses decades‑old precedent, and undermines Congress’s long‑standing preference for allowing eligible immigrants to adjust status while remaining in the United States. They urged USCIS to restore adjudications consistent with the Immigration and Nationality Act and legislative intent, warning that the change threatens family unity, administrative efficiency and economic stability.