USCIS Adjustment of Status Memo 2026: Green Card Adjudication Trends & RFE Impact
Murthy Law attorneys discuss the May 21, 2026 USCIS memo and its effects on green card adjudication, including emerging RFE trends observed in interviews with applicants.
A May 21, 2026 USCIS memo has introduced notable shifts in how Adjustment of Status (AOS) cases are being adjudicated, according to Murthy Law Firm attorneys featured in their July 2026 podcast. The memo appears to have triggered changes in how USCIS officers conduct interviews and issue Requests for Evidence (RFEs), signaling a tighter review environment for green card applicants.
Attorneys at Murthy Law have observed emerging trends in case handling since the memo took effect, drawing from client interviews and RFE patterns. For EB-3 employment-based applicants already in the AOS stage, these developments are particularly relevant as they may signal heightened documentation requirements or additional scrutiny during the adjudication process.
Applicants currently awaiting AOS decisions or preparing for upcoming USCIS interviews should be aware that the post-memo landscape may differ from pre-May 2026 expectations. Consulting with an immigration attorney before interviews and ensuring all supporting documentation is thorough and current is advisable given the evolving adjudication environment.
USCIS has reinstated neighborhood checks as part of the naturalization process, expanding background investigations for citizenship applicants. Applicants should be aware of these updated vetting procedures and prepare accordingly.
USCIS is sending letters to applicants citing 'FBI Privacy Requirements' as part of background check procedures. The letter is routine and does not indicate a problem with your case.
USCIS has changed how filing deadlines are calculated, affecting employers and foreign workers managing petition timelines. The update impacts how response windows and submission cutoffs are counted, with direct consequences for EB-3 priority date management.