When an I-485 application for Adjustment of Status is denied, the underlying I-130 petition’s fate is directly impacted. The approved I-130 petition serves as the foundation for the I-485. Should the I-485 be rejected, the validity and continued usefulness of the I-130 are called into question. The circumstances surrounding the denial of the Adjustment of Status application are crucial in determining the I-130’s subsequent standing.
The approval of an I-130 family-based immigration petition signifies that the petitioner has established a qualifying relationship with the beneficiary. However, this approval does not guarantee the beneficiary’s right to adjust status and become a permanent resident. The I-485 denial may stem from various reasons, including ineligibility for adjustment due to factors such as criminal history, misrepresentation, or failure to maintain lawful status. The historical context of immigration law emphasizes the importance of meeting all requirements for each step in the immigration process. An approved I-130 provides a pathway, but the I-485 is the critical step toward permanent residency, and failure at this stage can impact the entire process.
