Story perspectives

Gallego Calls for GAO Review of USCIS Green Card Memo

6/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona) asked GAO to deem the May 22 USCIS memo a “rule” for a CRA repeal.
The memo limits adjustment of status to extraordinary circumstances, forcing applicants abroad.
58 % of the 1.36 million green cards came from adjustment of status, so memo could affect many.
Department of Homeland Security said it will not block applicants.
Immigration lawyers and American Immigration Lawyers Association warn of confusion and delays.

History

Historical Context

Bill Clinton signed the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, which took effect on April 1, 1997 and sharply limited adjustment-of-status eligibility, including the reinstatement of removal. In 2024 Senator Ruben Gallego asked the GAO to treat a USCIS memo as a rule, reviving the same contentious limits that sparked litigation after the 1996 reforms.

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Story summary

Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Arizona) asked GAO to deem the May 22 USCIS memo a “rule” for a CRA repeal.
The memo limits adjustment of status to extraordinary circumstances, forcing applicants abroad.
58 % of the 1.36 million green cards came from adjustment of status, so memo could affect many.
Department of Homeland Security said it will not block applicants.
Immigration lawyers and American Immigration Lawyers Association warn of confusion and delays.

1 / 2