HOUSE RESOLUTION RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES EXERCISE DISCRETION IN ADJUDICATING STATUS APPLICATIONS CONSISTENT WITH HISTORICAL PRACTICE

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Morales

Rhode Island urges USCIS to apply status adjustments for spouses of U.S. citizens inland, opposing PM-602-0199 to preserve family unity.

06/03/2026 Introduced, referred to House Judiciary

Purpose and intent

This Rhode Island House Resolution (HR 8608, 2026) requests the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to exercise discretion in adjudicating status applications in a manner consistent with historical practice.

The resolution explicitly condemns USCIS Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, issued May 22, 2026, which is described as upending more than seventy years of established immigration law and practice.

The overarching aim is to preserve family unity by allowing spouses of U.S. citizens to pursue adjustment of status inside the United States (i.e., without mandatory consular processing abroad) and to avoid forced or prolonged separations.

Key provisions and changes

Condemnation of PM-602-0199: The resolution states strong opposition to the policy memorandum and its potential impact on separating U.S. citizens from their spouses.

Policy recommendation: The resolution urges USCIS to continue favorably exercising discretion in adjudicating adjustment of status applications in a manner aligned with pre-memorandum historical practice.

Advocacy for inland processing: It emphasizes the intent of the original inland adjustment system to promote family unity and permit eligible spouses to adjust status without mandatory consular processing abroad.

Formal directions to government officials:

The Secretary of State (Rhode Island Secretary of State) is authorized to transmit copies of the resolution to key federal and state officials, including:
Governor of Rhode Island
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Director of USCIS
Field Office Director of USCIS Providence Field Office

Who or what would be affected

U.S. citizens with foreign-spouse immigration needs: The resolution centers on preserving the ability of U.S. citizens to sponsor their immigrant spouses for lawful permanent residence (LPR) through adjustment of status inside the U.S., thereby avoiding mandatory overseas consular processing.

USCIS and related federal policy: The resolution calls for USCIS to interpret and apply status adjudications consistent with historical practice and to refrain from implementing PM-602-0199 as described.

Rhode Island state officials: The resolution directs the state secretary to send certified copies to federal and state officials, signaling the state’s stance and formal communication.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: The resolution was introduced on June 3, 2026, by Representative David P. Morales and referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

Status: As a House Resolution, it serves as a formal expression of the Rhode Island General Assembly's position and does not create statutory law or direct new duties on USCIS, but it communicates policy preferences and concerns.

Effective date: There is no immediate statutory effect; the resolution articulates a stance and urges federal action or reconsideration of PM-602-0199.

Summary

HR 8608 is a Rhode Island House resolution urging USCIS to exercise discretion in a way that aligns with historical practice, particularly regarding adjustment of status for spouses of U.S. citizens and inland processing. It condemns PM-602-0199 for potentially causing family separations and seeks to keep inland, in-country pathways for lawful permanent residence. The measure is a symbolic, policy-oriented statement requiring transmission to federal and state officials, with no binding statutory changes but clear advocacy for preserving family unity in immigration adjudication.