On May 22, 2022, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, entitled “Adjustment of Status is a Matter of Discretion and Administrative Grace, and an Extraordinary Relief that Permits Applicants to Dispense with the Ordinary Consular Visa Process.” In the memorandum, USCIS maintains that the pathway for obtaining permanent residence through adjustment of status (AOS) within the U.S. was intended as “exceptional” to the “normal” or “ordinary” process of applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. consulate, and will be granted only at the discretion of an adjudicator as a matter of “administrative grace.” The memorandum further instructions adjudicators to consider a variety of factors when considering whether or not to grant an adjustment of status. 

ISSS is aware of this memorandum and is currently coordinating with the University's external immigration attorneys to assess the impact. We will share further guidance as it becomes available. In the meantime, any University employee currently undergoing the permanent residence process is welcome to write to isss@brown.edu with questions. 

Please note: persons who are pursuing family-based immigration (permanent residence based on an eligible family relationship) or on the basis of another category not related to their University employment should consult with their immigration attorney or specialist for guidance.