Welcome to the Garfinkel Immigration news roundup, where every month we will summarize and provide links to the latest stories impacting U.S. immigration.
Below is the May 2026 edition of the Garfinkel Immigration news roundup:
New USCIS adjustment of status policy memo: What applicants and employers should know
In late May, USCIS issued updated policy guidance emphasizing their view that adjustment of status is a discretionary form of immigration relief and does not replace the ordinary consular immigrant visa processing abroad.
Although adjustment of status has always involved some level of discretion, this guidance marks a significant shift from more than 75 years of agency practice in adjudicating green card applications inside the United States.
The updated guidance may affect how certain cases are reviewed and what additional evidence USCIS may request during adjudication. At the same time, there are still significant unanswered questions about how broadly officers will apply this policy in practice. Portions of the guidance will also likely face legal challenges, which could affect the policy’s implementation.
However, there are several important takeaways applicants and employers should understand now. Learn more here.
Traveling to the United States for the FIFA World Cup: Immigration tips every international fan should know
The FIFA World Cup is one of the largest sporting events in the world, and for many international fans, attending in person is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
With the United States set to host matches alongside Canada and Mexico, millions of visitors are expected to travel to North America for games, tourism, and celebrations. But many fans may be overlooking one critical part of the trip: immigration preparation.
Entering the U.S. is not always as simple as purchasing a ticket and boarding a flight. Visa requirements, ESTA eligibility, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspections, and prior immigration history can all impact travel plans.
In his latest article, Associate Attorney William Crotty explains what international fans should know before traveling to the U.S. for the World Cup.
Beyond the EB-4 category: Strategic considerations for religious organizations navigating green card sponsorship
What happens when an R-1 religious worker approaches their maximum stay, but an EB-4 green card is still unavailable?
That question is becoming increasingly common for religious organizations across the U.S.
Many organizations are now reassessing how they approach:
- Sponsorship timelines
- Retention planning
- Long-term green card strategies
In her newest white paper, Partner Meredith Barnette, head of the Garfinkel Immigration Religious Worker Specialty Practice Group, explores practical considerations and alternative immigrant pathways organizations may want to evaluate in today’s environment.
Read the full white paper here.
From talent constraints to leadership gaps
Partner Nam Douglass has once again been featured in the Zweig Group’s “The Zweig Letter,” this time discussing one of the most pressing challenges facing the AEC industry: talent strategy in a rapidly changing immigration landscape.
In the article, Douglass explores how evolving immigration policy is reshaping workforce planning for architecture, engineering and construction firms, and why proactive immigration strategy is a critical business issue for employers competing for highly skilled talent.
Read Douglass’ latest story in The Zweig Letter here.
U.S. lifts hold on immigration applications for doctors but leaves others waiting
Some positive news for international physicians: In a policy update, USCIS appears to have lifted the adjudicative pause on some applications for nationals from travel-ban countries, including physicians.
This development suggests that impacted physician cases may now begin moving forward again. Since December 2025, many of these cases had been effectively frozen, creating workforce gaps, delayed start dates and long-term planning challenges for healthcare organizations.
Healthcare employers and physicians who have been impacted by the pause should contact the Garfinkel Immigration Healthcare Specialty Practice Group to evaluate their options and strategies.
Find out more here via the Associated Press.
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks resigns in latest shakeup of immigration leadership
U.S. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks has resigned, as detailed in this story by CBS News. The story also examines other major leadership changes across DHS in recent months.
“In March, Kristi Noem was replaced by then-Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin as homeland security secretary,” the story reads. “Her ouster came amid growing backlash to her response to the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis, as well as her role in controversial television advertisements.”
The story continued: “Outspoken Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino also retired in March, after being sidelined following the controversy around the Minneapolis crackdown. Meanwhile, Todd Lyons, the acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, is set to step down at the end of May, and will be replaced on an interim basis by a longtime agency official.”