When Stan applies for adjustment of status, what should the next action be if he lacks a birth certificate?

In the context of applying for adjustment of status, having a birth certificate is often considered an important piece of evidence to establish identity and eligibility. If an applicant like Stan lacks a birth certificate, the appropriate course of action would typically involve requesting additional evidence. This step allows the applicant the opportunity to provide other documentation that can serve as proof of their identity or claim to nationality.

The rationale behind opting for this approach is to ensure that applicants have a fair chance to fulfill documentary requirements, rather than having their case automatically approved or denied based on a single missing document. Requesting additional evidence helps facilitate a thorough review of the individual's situation and allows for the submission of alternative forms of proof, such as affidavits, hospital records, or other government documents that can corroborate the applicant's identity.

In this context, approving the case outright would not be appropriate, as the lack of a critical document like a birth certificate typically necessitates further inquiry. Similarly, denying the case without allowing for the opportunity to provide alternative evidence may be seen as denying an applicant the chance to fully present their case. Waiting for further instructions does not actively address the issue at hand and would leave the applicant in a state of uncertainty.

Overall, the next step when an applicant lacks a birth