Recently, the White House announced new measures to secure the southern border by placing caps on crossings. However, on June 18th, 2024, President Joe Biden announced a new action for migrant families. This action, intended to keep migrant families together, will have a significant impact on immigration in the United States. The following blog explores this action in further detail and explains why connecting with a New York Immigration attorney is critical if you have questions or concerns regarding these matters.
What Is the New Action to Keep Families Together?
This new action will help prevent deportation for an estimated 500,000 individuals by offering them an easier path to obtain a green card. Essentially if a non-citizen is married to a United States citizen and has been in the country for at least 10 years, they are eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence, or their green card, without having to leave the country. The White House also announced that this would go into effect on June 17th, 2024.
This action is intended to help keep families together, as splitting up to attempt to obtain lawful permanent residence can place a serious financial and emotional strain on a family. This is because federal law requires the non-citizen spouse to leave the country to request parole before they are eligible to apply for permanent residency. In some instances, those who left the country for this process may not be allowed to reenter, which can split a family unit.
If you and your family are eligible, you will have three years to apply for lawful permanent residence. Additionally, this action helps protect non-citizen children under the age of 21 from deportation.
What Else Does This Action Cover?
In addition to offering an easier path to lawful permanent residence for the spouses and children of immigrants, this action will also help make it easier for DACA recipients and other Dreamers to obtain a visa. Essentially, if a DACA recipient or other dream graduates from a United States college, university, or other accredited higher education institution, and they receives a job offer in a related field, they will have an expedited path to obtaining a work visa. This action was implemented to allow those who have studied in the United States to use their skill and knowledge to further benefit the United States.
If you believe you are eligible for a green card or work visa in accordance with the new action announced by the Biden-Harris Administration, it’s imperative to take action. At the Law Office of Jason A. Dennis, we understand how confusing these matters can be, which is why our team is ready to assist you through these times. Connect with our team today to learn how we can help guide you through the green card or work visa application process under this new action.
