USCIS Ends Adjustment of Status May 2026: Why You Should Not Panic Yet

A recent USCIS memorandum dated May 2026 has caused widespread concern among green card applicants, particularly those pursuing Adjustment of Status from within the United States. The memo appears to signal a policy shift that could require applicants—including EB-3 beneficiaries—to leave the U.S. and attend consular interviews abroad rather than adjusting status domestically. Immigration attorneys across the country are already analyzing the memo and discussing potential legal challenges. A key point being emphasized is that an internal USCIS memorandum does not by itself carry the force of law and cannot unilaterally override statutes passed by Congress, such as INA Section 245 which governs Adjustment of Status eligibility. The reaction online has been intense, with many applicants expressing fear about their pending cases and what this may mean for their immigration journeys. Community voices are urging applicants to avoid panic and instead consult with qualified immigration attorneys before taking any action or making any travel decisions. For EB-3 applicants specifically, the distinction between Adjustment of Status and Consular Processing carries significant practical consequences—including travel restrictions, processing timelines, and the risk of triggering bars to re-entry. Any mandatory shift to consular processing would represent a major disruption to hundreds of thousands of pending cases. Applicants are advised to monitor updates from AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association) and their legal counsel, as litigation challenging this memo is expected. No immediate action is recommended without professional legal advice.