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Subramanyam seeks reversal of USCIS immigration memo
He said the directive could disrupt immigrant families, workers and businesses while overturning decades of established adjustment-of-status practice.
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Staff Reporter - Sat, 06, Jun 2026
- 14:06 EDT
- 68
Suhas Subramanyam / House Floor
Congressman Suhas Subramanyam called on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to immediately reverse a recent policy directive related to green cards.
The directive would allow adjustment of status applications within the United States only in what USCIS describes as "extraordinary circumstances," a change critics say departs from decades of established immigration practice.
Also Read: Krishnamoorthi, Subramanyam press USCIS on case delays
In a letter sent to USCIS, Subramanyam sought clarification on how the agency intends to implement the directive and urged officials to withdraw the policy.
The Congressman, who serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, also addressed the issue in a speech on the House floor, arguing that the memo marks a significant departure from longstanding immigration practice.
"On May 22nd, USCIS released a policy memo that it would grant adjustment of status from within the United States only in extraordinary circumstances," Subramanyam said. "This broad policy abandons over 70 years of law and precedent."
He said the change could affect families seeking to remain together and businesses that rely on foreign workers. According to Subramanyam, the directive could force students, family members and entrepreneurs pursuing permanent residency to leave the country while waiting for their immigration status to change.
"Almost immediately, my office was flooded with inquiries about what this will mean for families," he said.
Subramanyam noted that USCIS later attempted to clarify the memo, with an agency spokesperson indicating that individuals providing an economic benefit would likely remain eligible to continue on their current immigration pathway. However, he argued that the explanation lacked sufficient detail.
"With no specific details, families are left with more questions than answers," he said.
The congressman said he sent a letter to USCIS seeking answers about implementation of the policy while also calling for its reversal.
"Our immigrant communities who are doing everything right should not be punished," Subramanyam said. "Our businesses already struggling under the economic chaos of this administration should not suddenly be told that many of their employees won't be able to continue working."
He further argued that the policy could discourage talent and innovation from coming to the United States.
"These policies are undermining our greatest strength by driving away talent, innovation, and leaders in communities across the country and across the world," he said.
Subramanyam concluded his remarks by urging fellow lawmakers to oppose the USCIS directive, arguing that it sends the message that the United States cannot be relied upon to honor commitments made to immigrant communities.
Nonprofit Lead America welcomed Subramanyam's actions. Rajesh Gooty, president of the organization, praised the congressman's advocacy on behalf of immigrant communities.
"Congressman Suhas consistently stands up for our community and watches out for fair practices. He is truly the voice for the people," Gooty said.
The intervention follows advocacy efforts by Lead America and a coalition of community organizations that raised concerns about the impact of the policy on immigrant families and workers.
Lead America said it will continue advocating for policies that support immigrant communities and working families across the United States.
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