Vrapi Weeks applauds the life-changing immigration relief programs that President Biden announced on June 18, 2024. President Biden announced a plan for a new program that would allow spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to obtain parole and more easily secure lawful permanent residency in the United States. President Biden also plans to help DACA recipients and Dreamers to more easily secure work visas. Once implemented, these actions would allow some immigrants in the United States obtain lawful permanent residency and work visas, including:
I. Spouses of U.S. citizens who have been living in the United States for at least 10 years and their children.
A. You may be eligible to apply for your green card without leaving the United States, if, as of June 17, 2024:
- You are in the United States after entering without permission;
- You have lived in the United States for at least 10 years and have never left;
- You are legally married to a U.S. citizen or have a qualifying child or stepchild relationship with a U.S. citizen; and
- You do 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. Parole would be granted for a one-time period of three years and you may also be eligible for employment authorization for up to three years.
If you are granted parole, you may apply for your green card within three years of approval. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
II. College-educated DACA recipients and Dreamers who are qualified for nonimmigrant status, such as an H-1B specialty occupation visa.
A. You may be eligible to apply for a temporary visa more easily, if:
- You have a degree from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education; and
- You have an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to your degree.
Although these programs have not yet begun, Vrapi Weeks is accepting consultation appointments now so that we can contact eligible persons once the program starts and also identify if there are options now. Details on how to apply are expected to be released by the end of the summer through a Federal Register notice. This program could also be legally challenged, which could impact its implementation. This makes it even more important to have a qualified, knowledgeable attorney to help you apply as soon as the program begins.
Our bilingual immigration attorneys in Albuquerque and Santa Fe are offering consultations by phone, video and in person. Click HERE to schedule your consultation right now.
