Sharp Drop in Green-Card Approval Rates for Family, Employment and Cuban Applicants in FY 2026 Q3

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reported that, for adjustment-of-status applications decided between April and June 2026 (the third quarter of fiscal year 2026), approval rates fell in three major groups. Family-based approvals slipped 4.2 percentage points, employment-based approvals dropped 0.9 points, and Cuban applicant approvals plunged 28.9 points compared with the preceding quarter. Overall, the approval rate for all decided green-card applications declined by 2.6 percentage points.

Newsweek

The same period saw notable changes in the number of cases received. Family-based receipts fell from 127,189 to 95,175, while employment-based receipts more than doubled, rising from 47,514 to 97,501. Cuban receipts contracted sharply, decreasing from 15,312 to 6,279. USCIS recorded 54,678 family-based approvals and 12,240 denials in the third quarter, versus 71,514 approvals and 11,689 denials in the prior quarter. Employment-based adjudications were steadier, with 42,076 approvals and 3,160 denials, only a slight increase from the previous quarter’s 41,979 approvals and 2,717 denials.

Newsweek

The data arrive amid continued immigration-policy tightening that began under the Trump administration, which emphasized heightened scrutiny to combat alleged fraud and abuse. Officials have described the approach as intended to protect the integrity of the immigration system, while critics argue it creates additional barriers for lawful permanent-residence seekers.

Newsweek

The steep decline in Cuban approval rates—from 52.6 % in the first quarter to 23.7 % in the third quarter—highlights a disproportionate impact on that national group. Family-based applicants now face an approval rate of 81.7 %, down from 86 % a quarter earlier, potentially lengthening the path to residency for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents sponsoring relatives. Employment-based applicants, despite a surge in filings, saw only marginal changes in approval outcomes, suggesting that increased demand has not translated into higher success rates.

Newsweek

USCIS data indicate that asylum-based and refugee-based adjustment cases experienced modest gains, with approval rates rising to 88.9 % and 69.6 % respectively. Whether the broader downward trend in family, employment and Cuban categories will persist depends on future policy adjustments and the administration’s continued emphasis on immigration enforcement.

Newsweek