Jennifer Behm, immigration counsel at Barclay Damon and partner at Berardi Immigration Law, was featured in the NewsNation article “Trump Admin Tightens on Applying for Green Cards Inside the US,” which explored US Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) policy directive tightening its approach to “adjustment of status,” signaling that obtaining a green card from within the United States will be treated as an “extraordinary” and discretionary benefit rather than a routine pathway. The policy increases scrutiny of applicants and may require many individuals to leave the country to complete the process abroad, even if they otherwise meet eligibility requirements.
Jennifer noted the heightened uncertainty the policy creates for applicants. “Even if you are doing everything the right way, that’s not enough if you want US immigration benefits,” she said, adding that the directive reflects a broader effort to restrict access to permanent residency. “The government is clearly trying to make it harder and harder to come into the United States and get a green card.”
Jennifer also emphasized that the policy introduces additional evidentiary burdens and unpredictability in outcomes. “This is intentionally trying to narrow the funnel of individuals who are coming to the United States,” she said. “This is kind of putting a brick wall at the end of that tunnel.” USCIS has indicated further guidance may be forthcoming, leaving applicants and employers to closely monitor developments and reassess strategy.
Click here to read the full article.