Recent reports have indicated that I-485 applications may be placed on hold due to President Trump’s April 2020 Presidential Proclamation. On June 12, 2020 a reporter stated that USCIS claims the basis of “the hold on processing green card applications from current U.S. residents stems from the temporary suspension of in-person services during the COVID-19 pandemic.” Further research conducted by the American Immigration Lawyers Association indicates that the hold on adjustment of status cases applies to cases that are pre-processed by the National Benefits Center before being sent to local USCIS field offices and, specifically, I-485 interviews and I-485 interview waiver cases not already distributed. The approval of adjustment of status cases in instances where interviews have been waived appear to be unaffected by the hold.
A June 16, 2020 report states that USCIS is “resuming processing of all I-485 applications” but it is unclear whether this guidance has reached the National Benefits Center or local USCIS offices. USCIS has not released an official statement confirming or denying the reports. Please contact your immigration counsel to determine what effect this may have on your employees who have pending adjustment of status “green card” applications.