{"id":2235,"date":"2026-05-22T21:24:27","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T03:24:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.messersmithlaw.com\/?p=2235"},"modified":"2026-05-22T21:24:30","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T03:24:30","slug":"us-citizenship-and-immigration-services-will-grant-adjustment-of-status-only-in-extraordinary-circumstances-what-immigrants-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.messersmithlaw.com\/?p=2235","title":{"rendered":"US Citizenship and Immigration Services Will Grant \u201cAdjustment of Status\u201d Only in Extraordinary Circumstances: What Immigrants Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Recent immigration policy changes and increasingly strict adjudication trends have caused growing concern among immigrants applying for <a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/adjustment-of-status\/\" title=\"Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)\">Adjustment of Status (Form I-485)<\/a>. Many applicants are hearing that US Citizenship and Immigration Services may grant adjustment of status only in \u201cextraordinary circumstances\u201d when significant inadmissibility, immigration violations, or procedural issues exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As USCIS increases scrutiny of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>fraud and misrepresentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>unlawful presence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prior visa inconsistencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>unauthorized employment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>criminal records<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prior removal issues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>public charge concerns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>many applicants are facing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/request-for-evidence\/\" title=\"Requests for Evidence (RFEs)\">Requests for Evidence (RFEs)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/notice-of-intent-to-deny\/\" title=\"Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs)\">Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>lengthy delays<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>adjustment denials<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Understanding what USCIS means by \u201cextraordinary circumstances\u201d is now more important than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is Adjustment of Status?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/adjustment-of-status\/\" title=\"Adjustment of Status\">Adjustment of Status<\/a> allows eligible individuals already inside the United States to apply for <a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/adjustment-of-status\/\" title=\"lawful permanent residence (a green card)\">lawful permanent residence (a green card)<\/a> without leaving the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The process usually involves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Form <a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/adjustment-of-status\/\" title=\"I-485\">I-485<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>biometrics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>background checks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>interview<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>admissibility review under INA \u00a7212<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>However, approval is discretionary and requires the applicant to demonstrate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>eligibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>admissibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>credibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>compliance with immigration laws<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why USCIS Is Applying Stricter Standards<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>USCIS has significantly increased review of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>prior immigration filings<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DS-160 applications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>visa histories<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>employment records<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>social media and background checks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prior CBP encounters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Even small inconsistencies may trigger allegations under:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>INA \u00a7212(a)(2) \u2014 criminal grounds involving <a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a2aii\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(2)(i)(I)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(2)(i)(I)<\/a> crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMTs), <a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a2aiii\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(2)(A)(i)(II)<\/a> controlled substance violations,  <a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a2ci\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(2)(C)(i)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(2)(C)(i)<\/a> Controlled Substance Trafficker, <a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a2cii\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(2)(D)(i) \">INA \u00a7212(a)(2)(C)(ii)<\/a> family member of a drug trafficker,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a2di\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(2)(D)(i) \">INA \u00a7212(a)(2)(D)(i) <\/a>prostitution related offenses, or other criminal conduct<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a3a\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(3)(A)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(3)(A)<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a3b\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(3)(B)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(3)(B)<\/a> \u2014 national security, terrorism-related, espionage, sabotage, or security-related inadmissibility concerns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a3d\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(3)(D)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(3)(D)<\/a> \u2014 communist or totalitarian party membership or affiliation issues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a4\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(4)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(4)<\/a> \u2014 public charge concerns involving financial support, income, assets, or affidavit of support deficiencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a5a\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(5)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(5)<\/a> \u2014 labor certification and unauthorized employment-related issues in certain employment-based immigration cases<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a6ci\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(6)(C)(i)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(6)(C)(i)<\/a> \u2014 fraud or willful misrepresentation of a material fact to obtain an immigration benefit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a6cii\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(6)(C)(ii)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(6)(C)(ii)<\/a> \u2014 false claims to U.S. citizenship<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a6e\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(6)(E)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(6)(E)<\/a> \u2014 alien smuggling allegations involving assisting or helping another person enter the United States unlawfully<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a6a\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(6)(A)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(6)(A)<\/a> \u2014 presence in the United States without admission or parole<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a7a\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(7)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(7)<\/a> \u2014 lack of proper immigrant or nonimmigrant documentation at entry or adjustment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a9a\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(9)(A)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(9)(A)<\/a> \u2014 prior removal, deportation, or expedited removal orders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a9b\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(9)(B)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(9)(B)<\/a> \u2014 unlawful presence resulting in 3-year or 10-year bars<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a9c\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(9)(C)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(9)(C)<\/a> \u2014 unlawful reentry after prior unlawful presence or removal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prior immigration violations, including overstays, status violations, unauthorized employment, or visa misuse<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prior asylum, visa, or immigration application inconsistencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>marriage fraud allegations under INA \u00a7204(c) involving claims that a prior marriage was entered into for immigration purposes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CBP airport or border findings involving expedited removal, visa cancellation, or Form I-275 withdrawal of admission<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DS-160, immigrant visa, or prior petition inconsistencies identified during USCIS review<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In many cases, USCIS expects applicants to demonstrate compelling or extraordinary circumstances to overcome discretionary concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Common Situations Where USCIS May Require \u201cExtraordinary Circumstances\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Prior Immigration Violations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Applicants with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>overstays<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>unauthorized employment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>status violations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prior removal or expedited removal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>may face heightened scrutiny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fraud or Misrepresentation Allegations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>USCIS aggressively reviews:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>inconsistent applications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>omitted information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prior visa answers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DS-160 discrepancies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Allegations under <a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a6ci\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(6)(C)(i)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(6)(C)(i)<\/a> are especially serious because they may trigger permanent inadmissibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Criminal Issues<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even arrests without conviction or minor criminal history may create admissibility concerns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Marriage Fraud Concerns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>USCIS closely examines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>prior marriage petitions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>INA \u00a7204(c) allegations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>relationship inconsistencies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">National Security or Political Membership Concerns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Issues under <a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a3a\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(3)(A)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(3)(A)<\/a> , <a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a3b\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(3)(B)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(3)(B)<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/ina-212a3d\/\" title=\"INA \u00a7212(a)(3)(D)\">INA \u00a7212(a)(3)(D)<\/a> including political affiliations or organizational memberships, may require substantial legal explanation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What USCIS Considers \u201cExtraordinary Circumstances\u201d<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no single definition, but USCIS may consider factors such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>strong family hardship<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>long term residence in the US<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>humanitarian concerns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>compelling medical issues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>national interest considerations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>extensive evidence of rehabilitation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>credible explanations for inconsistencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>exceptional equities and good moral character<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The stronger the inadmissibility issue, the stronger the supporting evidence and legal argument usually must be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Many Adjustment Cases Receive RFEs or NOIDs<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>USCIS officers increasingly expect applicants to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>explain every inconsistency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>provide supporting documentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>demonstrate credibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>establish admissibility clearly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Common triggers include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>different answers across applications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prior visa denials<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>old immigration violations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>incomplete disclosure of political affiliations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>unauthorized work history<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can These Cases Still Be Won?<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Many applicants assume a <a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/notice-of-intent-to-deny\/\" title=\"NOID\">NOID<\/a> or inadmissibility concern means automatic denial. That is not always true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Strong legal responses may:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>rebut inadmissibility allegations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>clarify inconsistencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>establish lack of material misrepresentation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>present waiver eligibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>demonstrate favorable discretionary factors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In many cases, the outcome depends heavily on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>how evidence is presented<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>the quality of legal arguments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>whether USCIS concerns are addressed directly and persuasively<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do Not Face a Complex I-485 Case Alone<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>If your adjustment of status case involves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>inadmissibility concerns<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>fraud allegations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>prior immigration violations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>criminal history<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/notice-of-intent-to-deny\/\" title=\"NOID\">NOID<\/a>s or <a href=\"https:\/\/messersmithlaw.com\/request-for-evidence\/\" title=\"RFE\">RFE<\/a>s<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>it is critical to seek experienced legal guidance immediately. With the right legal approach, many difficult cases can still be successfully resolved. We are here to fight for your rights, protect your future, and help you pursue lawful permanent residence. Many cases can still be successfully approved with the right legal strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Contact Us for Adjustment of Status Help<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Call: 305-515-0613<br>Email: <a href=\"mailto:info@messersmithlaw.com\" title=\"\">info@messersmithlaw.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Same day consultations available.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Recent immigration policy changes and increasingly strict adjudication trends have caused growing concern among immigrants applying for Adjustment of Status (Form I-485). Many applicants are hearing that US Citizenship and Immigration Services may grant adjustment of status only in \u201cextraordinary circumstances\u201d when significant inadmissibility, immigration violations, or procedural issues exist. As USCIS increases scrutiny of: &#8230; <a title=\"US Citizenship and Immigration Services Will Grant \u201cAdjustment of Status\u201d Only in Extraordinary Circumstances: What Immigrants Need to Know\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/blog.messersmithlaw.com\/?p=2235\" aria-label=\"Read more about US Citizenship and Immigration Services Will Grant \u201cAdjustment of Status\u201d Only in Extraordinary Circumstances: What Immigrants Need to Know\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[72,59],"tags":[220,210],"class_list":["post-2235","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-adjustment-of-status","category-form-i-485","tag-adjustment-of-status","tag-form-i-485"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.messersmithlaw.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2235","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.messersmithlaw.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.messersmithlaw.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.messersmithlaw.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.messersmithlaw.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2235"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/blog.messersmithlaw.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2235\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2246,"href":"https:\/\/blog.messersmithlaw.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2235\/revisions\/2246"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.messersmithlaw.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2235"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.messersmithlaw.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2235"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.messersmithlaw.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2235"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}