New Immigration Laws Announced

As most of you have by now heard President Obama is moving forward with the most sweeping changes to our immigration law in decades.

What does this mean?

1. Deferred action for parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent resident children who have been living in the United States since 1/1/2010.   This means freedom from deportation, permission to work and perhaps even travel!

2. Expansion of the current DACA (Dream Act) program for those brought here before the age of 16.  The age cap of 31 is being removed.  So aliens who came here before they were 16, went to school or have a GED may qualify regardless of their current age.

3. Expansion of the I-601A waiver process.   This program that started last year allowed some aliens who were not qualified to obtain residence in the U.S. to apply for a waiver of their illegal presence while still inside the U.S.   This did away with the risk of a long separation from family caused by travel over seas and filing for the waiver outside the U.S. to obtain residence.   The program was limited to spouses and children of U.S. citizens.   I-601A waivers are now going to be expanded to cover spouses and children of citizens and permanent residents.

It is expected that DHS will start accepting application under these programs within in the next six (6) months and perhaps sooner.

As always, we at Queens Immigration Law are here to answer any and all questions about this landmark step by the President.

Please call us at 718-793-7800 to discuss how these new laws can help you and your family.