Under INA § 245(c), what aspect must be established for an adjustment applicant married to a U.S. citizen?

The aspect that must be established for an adjustment applicant married to a U.S. citizen under INA § 245(c) is the requirement of legal entry into the U.S. This provision states that certain individuals, including those who are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens, can apply for adjustment of status if they were inspected and admitted into the United States. In this context, "legal entry" refers to having entered the U.S. after obtaining permission from immigration authorities, which typically involves being inspected at a port of entry.

This requirement is crucial because, without legal entry, the individual may not be eligible for adjustment of status, despite their marriage to a U.S. citizen. It lays the groundwork for the application process, ensuring that the applicant is in the U.S. lawfully at the time they apply for a green card.

In contrast, proof of marriage dissolution is relevant for those who are applying under different circumstances, such as waiver provisions after a divorce. Length of presence in the U.S. and qualifying family relationships also play roles in the broader context of immigration eligibility but do not address the specific foundational requirement stated in INA § 245(c). Legal entry is an essential prerequisite before any other considerations can be taken into account for the adjustment of