এই সপ্তাহের শুরুতে, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) একটি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ নোটিশ প্রকাশ করেছে যা Green Card Adjustment of Status (AOS) প্রক্রিয়ার ভবিষ্যchodকে পুনর্নির্ধারণ করতে পারে। ২১ মে, ২০২৬ তারিখের Adjustment of Status Policy Memo – যা YouTube‑এ ৪০ হাজার দর্শন অর্জন করেছে – নির্দেশ করে যে AOS প্রক্রিয়া “শেষ নয়”, কিন্তু নতুন নির্দেশিকা এবং deadline‑এ কদাচিৎ পরিবর্তন আসতে পারে। এই নিবন্ধে আমরা এই নোটিশের পটভূমি, এর মূল বিষয়বস্তু, এবং সম্ভাব্য প্রভাবকে chronological ক্রমে বিশ্লেষণ করব, সাথে সাথে যাচাইযোগ্য উৎসोंকে উদ্ধৃত করব।

Chronological Context: From the 2020 Backlog to the 2026 Memo

The Adjustment of Status pathway allows certain non‑immigrants already in the United States to become lawful permanent residents without leaving the country. Historically, the process has been subject to annual visa caps, per‑country limits, and fluctuating processing times. After the COVID‑19 pandemic, USCIS faced a growing backlog; by FY 2023, over 1.2 million AOS applications were pending (USCIS Immigration Forms Data, 2023).

In response, the Biden administration issued a series of policy memos in 2022‑2023 aimed at “modernizing” the AOS system, including the introduction of premium processing for certain categories and the temporary suspension of the public charge rule (DHS Press Release, Sept 8 2022). These measures reduced average processing times by roughly 15 % in FY 2024.

However, the fiscal year 2025 saw a resurgence of demand, particularly from employment‑based categories (EB‑2 and EB‑3) due to heightened tech hiring. By early 2026, the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin indicated that cut‑off dates for India and China had retrogressed significantly, prompting concerns that many applicants would “age out” or face prolonged waits.

Against this backdrop, on May 21, 2026, USCIS released the Adjustment of Status Policy Memo, which reiterates that the AOS program remains open but introduces new procedural safeguards aimed at curbing fraud and improving case management.

Key Provisions of the May 21, 2026 Memo

1. Extended Filing Window for Certain Categories: Applicants under the EB‑1‑C (multinational managers) and EB‑2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) now have an additional 180 days to file Form I‑485 after their priority date becomes current, provided they maintain continuous lawful status.
2. Mandatory Biometrics Update: All AOS applicants must submit a updated biometrics appointment within 30 days of receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) related to background checks, a measure intended to reduce security‑related delays.
3. Re‑emphasis on the “Public Charge” Assessment: While the 2020 public charge rule was rescinded, the memo instructs officers to weigh the applicant’s likelihood of becoming a public charge more heavily when evaluating the I‑864 Affidavit of Support, especially for family‑based applicants.
4. Digital Case Tracking Enhancement: USCIS will roll out a new portal feature allowing applicants to view real‑time status updates and estimated completion dates, aiming to increase transparency.
5. Fraud Detection Unit Expansion: A dedicated unit will review patterns of duplicate filings and inconsistent employment data, with penalties ranging from denial to potential removal proceedings for fraudulent submissions.

এই প্রvisions‑গুলোকে একত্রিত করে, মেমোটিbasically AOS দরজা বন্ধ না করে, বরং এর নিরাপত্তা এবং দক্ষতা বাড়াতে চায়।

এই টাইমলাইন‑এ (উপরেInline graphic) দেখানো হয়েছে কিভাবে ২০২০‑এর পাবলিক চার্জ নিয়ম থেকে ২০২২‑২৩‑এর প্রিমিয়াম প্রসেসিং, এবং এখন ২০২৬‑এর নئی মেমো পর্যন্ত নীতিমালা কীভাবে পরিবর্তিত হয়েছে।

Implications for Stakeholders

For Applicants: The extended filing window offers a breathing room for those whose priority dates have just become current, reducing the pressure to file immediately. However, the stricter public charge assessment may require more robust financial documentation, especially for family‑based applicants relying on a sponsor’s income.

For Employers: Companies sponsoring EB‑2/EB‑3 workers should prepare for potentially longer waits if the applicant’s priority date retrogresses, despite the extended window. The memo’s fraud detection emphasis also means employers must ensure that job offers and wage levels are accurately documented.

For Legal Practitioners: Immigration attorneys will need to adjust their checklist to include the new biometrics update requirement and prepare clients for heightened scrutiny of the I‑864 affidavit. The enhanced digital tracking portal may reduce client inquiries about case status, allowing attorneys to focus on substantive legal advice.

For Policy Makers: The memo signals a calibrated approach—maintaining access to AOS while addressing concerns about program integrity. Continued monitoring of processing times and denial rates will be essential to assess whether the intended balance is achieved.

Conclusion: AOS Is Not Over, But It Is Evolving

As of May 24, 2026, the United States immigration landscape remains dynamic. The May 21 Adjustment of Status Policy Memo does not shut the door on green‑card aspirants; rather, it reframes the process with added safeguards and procedural clarifications. For applicants, the key takeaway is to stay informed about priority‑date movements, prepare thorough documentation, and leverage the new digital tools for case tracking.

In an era where global talent mobility drives economic competitiveness, the U.S. government’s willingness to adjust—rather than abolish—pathways like Adjustment of Status reflects a nuanced response to both humanitarian commitments and national interests. Stakeholders across the spectrum should watch the coming months for data on processing trends, denial rates, and any further guidance from USCIS or the Department of Homeland Security.