AILA Advocates to Repeal Matter of Z-R-Z-C

The Administrative Appeals Office issued the Matter of Z-R-Z-C decision on 20 August 2020. This decision decreases green card eligibility for some temporary protected status beneficiaries. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) adopted Matter of Z-R-Z-C as policy guidance for USCIS officers.

The heading from the policy memorandum adopting Matter of Z-R-Z-C as binding authority.

On 12 May 2022, the American Immigration Lawyers Association sent a letter to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regarding Matter of Z-R-Z-C. In the letter, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (“AILA”) discussed how the Administrative Appeals Office erroneously decided Z-R-Z-C. The letter focuses upon Z-R-Z-C‘s negative impact upon a temporary protected status beneficiary’s eligibility to apply for permanent residency (“green card”) after returning to the U.S. pursuant to advance parole. AILA requests that USCIS rescind Matter of Z-R-Z-C. If USCIS withdraws the Z-R-Z-C decision, such act will improve some temporary protected status beneficiaries’ eligibility for status adjustment (I-485 Form) after returning to the U.S. with an advance parole card.

2 thoughts on “AILA Advocates to Repeal Matter of Z-R-Z-C

  1. This is wonderful news. I think my husband will finally get to become a permanent resident.

    1. Yes, AILA’s advocacy led to a successful change in USCIS’s policy, which will substantially benefit foreign nationals in temporary protected status.

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