DHS Announces New Process for Lawful Permanent Residence in the U.S.

ALBANY, NY | New Immigration Initiatives: Understanding the Changes and How They Affect You

On June 18, 2024, President Biden announced a series of significant immigration actions designed to provide relief to certain undocumented individuals living in the United States. Utilizing the authority granted by existing immigration laws, these actions aim to address the needs of various groups, including spouses and children of U.S. citizens and college-educated DACA recipients and Dreamers. The Towne Law Firm’s dedicated immigration lawyers are here to help navigate case processing and provide guidance you need during these changes.

Key Aspects of the Affirmative Relief Announcement

1. Relief for Spouses and Children of U.S. Citizens: President Biden’s new policy offers hope to spouses and children of U.S. citizens who have been residing in the U.S. for at least 10 years. Here are the key eligibility criteria:

• • You must have entered the United States without permission.
  • You have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least 10 years without leaving.
  • You are legally married to a U.S. citizen or have a qualifying stepchild relationship with a U.S. citizen.
  • You must not have certain criminal history or pose a threat to national security or public safety.

If you meet these criteria, the government may grant you parole-in-place, allowing you to stay in the U.S. for a one-time period of three years. During this period, you may also be eligible for employment authorization for up to three years. Additionally, you can apply for a green card within three years of receiving parole, with eligibility determined on a case-by-case basis.

2. Opportunities for College-Educated DACA Recipients and Dreamers:

The announcement also extends opportunities to DACA recipients and Dreamers who have obtained a college degree from an accredited U.S. institution. To be eligible for a temporary visa more easily:

• • You must hold a degree from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education.
  • You must have an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to your degree.

Important Points to Remember

• • Programs Have Not Yet Begun: The programs announced by President Biden have not yet started. Details on how to apply are expected to be released by the end of the summer through a Federal Register notice. At this time, you cannot submit an application.
  • Avoid Premature Applications: Any early-filed application will be rejected. Be patient and wait for official instructions on how to apply.
  • Beware of Scams: Do not pay anyone a fee associated with filing an application at this time. Unscrupulous individuals, including notarios and consultants, may promise immediate results or special solutions to steal your money. Always verify the credentials of anyone offering immigration help.

Legal Challenges and the Importance of Qualified Assistance

It’s important to note that these new programs could face legal challenges, potentially impacting their implementation. This uncertainty makes it crucial to seek the guidance of a qualified, knowledgeable immigration attorney. The wrong advice could jeopardize your chances of staying in the United States, obtaining lawful status, or becoming a U.S. citizen.

Our Commitment to Helping You

Our dedicated immigration attorney, Douglas Goldman, is here to assist with case processing and provide the expertise and guidance you need during these changes. We are committed to helping you navigate these new opportunities and ensuring that you receive accurate, reliable advice.

Contact Us Today!

Stay informed, stay cautious, and let us help you on your journey to lawful status in the United States.

Thank you to The American Immigration Lawyers Association for its advocacy for immigrant rights and immigration reforms such as this one. Please click below for more information.

The Towne Law Firm, P.C. offers professional legal representation to individual and business immigration clients throughout the United States and beyond. Our firm handles a wide variety of immigration matters including family-based and employment-based immigrant petitions, nonimmigrant petitions for foreign workers, including H-1B’s and O-1’s, waiver applications, and citizenship and naturalization applications. Our goal is to help reunite families and enable corporations to hire the right person for the job, regardless of their nationality.