U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has recently updated its Policy Manual, specifically Volume 7, Part A, Chapter 7, to provide clearer guidance on how to calculate the "sought to acquire" requirement for certain immigration benefits. The updates aim to streamline and clarify how applicants can demonstrate that they have sought to acquire lawful permanent resident status within 1 year of the availability of an immigrant visa. These revisions are part of a broader effort by USCIS to make its policy guidance more accessible and transparent for applicants, as well as for legal practitioners who navigate the complexities of immigration law. The clarified guidelines focus on helping applicants understand the necessary steps and documentation needed to meet the "sought to acquire" criteria effectively. Under this updated guidance, USCIS elaborates on what constitutes "sufficient evidence" to show that an applicant has put in a good faith effort to acquire the necessary immigration status. This evidence might include a variety of actions, such as timely submission of an adjustment of status application, appropriate filing of an immigrant visa application, or other relevant activities that demonstrate intent and proactive efforts to comply with immigration regulations. Additionally, the updates address common scenarios and potential delays that applicants might face. For example, USCIS outlines how to deal with situations where visa retrogression or administrative errors have impacted an applicant's ability to meet the 1-year deadline. By providing these insights, USCIS aims to ensure that applicants are not unduly penalized for circumstances beyond their control. The implementation of this updated policy is expected to benefit a wide range of stakeholders. Applicants will have a clearer understanding of the requirements and the type of evidence needed, reducing the likelihood of denials based on misunderstandings or incomplete documentation. Legal practitioners will have more concrete guidelines to advise their clients, leading to more efficient case management and potentially higher approval rates. These changes also align with USCIS’s ongoing mission to improve the integrity of the immigration system while ensuring fairness and consistency in the adjudication process. By updating and clarifying its Policy Manual, USCIS aims to protect the interests of both the U.S. and those seeking to immigrate by fostering a system that is both efficient and just. Overall, the updates to the “sought to acquire” guidance are a significant step towards enhancing the clarity, accessibility, and fairness of the immigration process, reflecting USCIS's commitment to continuous improvement and alignment with current immigration policies and regulations.