What is an Adopted Decision [Immigration] and Why It Matters
Definition & Meaning
An adopted decision in the context of immigration refers to a ruling made by the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) that is binding on all U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudication officers. These decisions are not yet published but hold significant authority in immigration matters. The AAO reviews appeals from decisions made by USCIS regional service centers and district offices, ensuring that individual applications and petitions for immigration benefits receive fair and legally sound resolutions.
Legal Use & context
Adopted decisions are primarily used within immigration law, particularly in administrative appeals. They guide USCIS officers in interpreting immigration laws and policies consistently. Users may encounter adopted decisions when appealing a USCIS decision on immigration petitions or applications. With the right resources, such as US Legal Forms legal templates, individuals can manage their appeals effectively.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: A person applies for a green card but receives a denial from USCIS. They can appeal this decision to the AAO, which may issue an adopted decision that clarifies the legal standards for similar cases.
Example 2: A family seeks to reunite with a relative through a visa application. If their application is denied, they may appeal the decision, and the AAO could provide an adopted decision that sets a precedent for future similar cases. (hypothetical example)