What does USCIS's new approach to adjustment of status mean for green card applicants, and how does it reshape the choice between staying in the U.S. and processing abroad?

In this episode of Statutes of Liberty, host and Senior Associate at Klasko Immigration Law Partners, Natalia Gouz, is joined by Partner Jessica DeNisi, who brings additional insight from her background with the U.S. Department of State. Natalia and Jessica unpack USCIS's May 2026 policy memo on adjustment of status, examining what the memo says, what's played out in practice in the weeks since its release, and what it could mean for anyone weighing their green card options.

Natalia and Jessica walk through the firm's initial response to the memo, discuss the strategy of interfiling positive equities evidence into pending applications, and highlight why the policy shift carries particular weight for EB-5 investors, given the program's upcoming grandfathering deadline.

Additionally, they share what's been observed at adjustment of status interviews since the memo took effect, including new questions from officers, inconsistent approaches across field offices, and a mix of requests for evidence, rescheduled interviews, and approvals without incident. Drawing on her State Department background, Jessica also offers a detailed look at consular processing: how it differs from adjustment of status, how the timeline unfolds through the National Visa Center, and why switching from adjustment of status to consular processing later in the process is far more difficult than the reverse.

Whether you're weighing your own green card strategy or advising employees through this shift, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating USCIS's evolving discretionary framework.

Speakers on this episode are:
Natalia Gouz
Jessica DeNisi

Stay connected with us:
Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Sign up for our newsletter and email updates.
Schedule a consultation here.

What does USCIS's new approach to adjustment of status mean for green card applicants, and how does it reshape the choice between staying in the U.S. and processing abroad?
In this episode of Statutes of Liberty, host and Senior Associate at Klasko Immigration Law Partners, Natalia Gouz, is joined by Partner Jessica DeNisi, who brings additional insight from her background with the U.S. Department of State. Natalia and Jessica unpack USCIS's May 2026 policy memo on adjustment of status, examining what the memo says, what's played out in practice in the weeks since its release, and what it could mean for anyone weighing their green card options.
Natalia and Jessica walk through the firm's initial response to the memo, discuss the strategy of interfiling positive equities evidence into pending applications, and highlight why the policy shift carries particular weight for EB-5 investors, given the program's upcoming grandfathering deadline.
Additionally, they share what's been observed at adjustment of status interviews since the memo took effect, including new questions from officers, inconsistent approaches across field offices, and a mix of requests for evidence, rescheduled interviews, and approvals without incident. Drawing on her State Department background, Jessica also offers a detailed look at consular processing: how it differs from adjustment of status, how the timeline unfolds through the National Visa Center, and why switching from adjustment of status to consular processing later in the process is far more difficult than the reverse.
Whether you're weighing your own green card strategy or advising employees through this shift, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating USCIS's evolving discretionary framework.
Speakers on this episode are:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/team/natalia-gouz/">Natalia Gouz</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/team/jessica-denisi/">Jessica DeNisi</a></li>
</ul>
Stay connected with us:
<ul>
<li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/klaskoimmigration/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/klaskoimmigrationlaw/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/klaskoimmigrationlaw/">Facebook</a>.</li>
<li>Sign up for our <a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/subscribe/">newsletter and email updates</a>.</li>
<li>Schedule a consultation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/contact/">here</a>.</li>
</ul>

Welcome to Statutes of Liberty: An Immigration Podcast by Klasko Immigration Law Partners. 

The United States is many things: a great melting pot, a nation of immigrants, a land of opportunity. Millions have journeyed here seeking freedom and the chance for a better life. Belief in the American ideal means providing opportunities for everyone, regardless of race or birthplace, to achieve their highest potential. 

Join us as we unravel the ins and outs of American immigration policy, from the issues of today to the historic basis for laws already in place.

Statutes of Liberty

Join the attorneys of Klasko Immigration Law Partners in this podcast, Statutes of Liberty, as we unravel the ins and outs of American immigration policy, from the issues of today to the historic basis for laws already in place.

Join the attorneys of Klasko Immigration Law Partners in this podcast, Statutes of Liberty, as we unravel the ins and outs of American immigration policy, from the issues of today to the historic basis for laws already in place.

What does USCIS's new approach to adjustment of status mean for green card applicants, and how does it reshape the choice between staying in the U.S. and processing abroad? In this episode of Statutes of Liberty, host and Senior Associate at Klasko Immigration Law Partners, Natalia Gouz, is joined by Partner Jessica DeNisi, who brings additional insight from her background with the U.S. Department of State. Natalia and Jessica unpack USCIS's May 2026 policy memo on adjustment of status, examining what the memo says, what's played out in practice in the weeks since its release, and what it could mean for anyone weighing their green card options. Natalia and Jessica walk through the firm's initial response to the memo, discuss the strategy of interfiling positive equities evidence into pending applications, and highlight why the policy shift carries particular weight for EB-5 investors, given the program's upcoming grandfathering deadline. Additionally, they share what's been observed at adjustment of status interviews since the memo took effect, including new questions from officers, inconsistent approaches across field offices, and a mix of requests for evidence, rescheduled interviews, and approvals without incident. Drawing on her State Department background, Jessica also offers a detailed look at consular processing: how it differs from adjustment of status, how the timeline unfolds through the National Visa Center, and why switching from adjustment of status to consular processing later in the process is far more difficult than the reverse. Whether you're weighing your own green card strategy or advising employees through this shift, this episode offers practical guidance for navigating USCIS's evolving discretionary framework. Speakers on this episode are: •	Natalia Gouz  •	Jessica DeNisi Stay connected with us: •	Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. •	Sign up for our newsletter and email updates. •	Schedule a consultation here.