Lawmakers Oppose Consular‑Processing Preference for Green Cards

The Democratic coalition warned that the policy could overload U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide with immigrant‑visa applications, aggravating an already severe appointment backlog. They noted that prolonged separation from spouses, children, and employers would hurt skilled workers, entrepreneurs, researchers, medical professionals, and other talent‑dependent businesses. The letter asserted that the memo’s claim that status adjustment is “administrative discretion and relief” is inaccurate, as Congress has historically supported on‑site adjustment to promote family unity, administrative efficiency, and economic stability. Any attempt to replace this framework with a preference for consular processing runs contrary to the intent of INA Section 245.