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Greetings!
It may not seem like "news" that a lawful permanent resident of the United States can live in this country with her foreign born child, or with her newlywed husband.
But it is, in fact, BIG news and, to many, a life-changing opportunity.
The Department of State has announced that, in August and September 2013, green cards are available for spouses and children of lawful permanent residents.
To illustrate the impact, take the following example:
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It is July 2013 and Selma is sad after receiving her green card. Wait. Sad? After receiving her GREEN CARD?
Yes, sad.
She received her green card based on an immediate relative petition filed by her 25 year old U.S. citizen son. Carlos. But she has two other children - Diego, 16 years old, and Diana, 14 years old - who are not U.S. citizens.
Unfortunately, Diego and Diana could not be included on Carlos's petition for Selma. And the Department of State Visa Bulletin shows a near two-year wait before Diego and Diana can file for green cards under the family-based 2A category (for spouses and children of lawful permanent residents).
Let's fast forward to August 2013. Selma is now ecstatic! But what changed?
Having followed the Department of State Visa Bulletin each month, Selma notices that, surprisingly, green cards are now available for spouses and children of lawful permanent residents! This means that Diego and Diana can file for their green cards NOW based on petitions filed by Selma.
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For lawful permanent residents like Selma who wish to unite their immediate family members in the U.S., the current availability of immigrant visas (i.e. green cards) for their spouses and children is a dream come true.
However, the Department of State has already indicated that September will be the last month that green cards are immediately available in the F2A category. In October, the Department of State expects to implement a cut-off date, making visas unavailable for any F2A petitions filed after that designated date.
Contact Jacob L. Ratzan, P.A. with questions regarding the availability of green cards for spouses and children of lawful permanent residents, and for any other immigration matters.
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