Certain Spouses of U.S. Citizens: Keeping Families Together with President Biden's New Program
President Biden announces a new Program that applies only to spouses of U.S. Citizens who are currently present in the U.S. and who entered without inspection (i.e., without a visa).
Once approved for the Program, these certain spouses can remain in the U.S. while undergoing the green card process, which could make a significant difference in your family’s immigration journey. If you’re a U.S. citizen with a noncitizen spouse who unlawfully entered the U.S., these updates are designed to help keep your family together while navigating your spouse’s path to lawful permanent residency. Understanding these changes is important for effectively managing your application process and ensuring that your family remains together.
What is the new Program of President Biden?
President Biden has announced several significant updates to the family-based immigration process, aimed at making it easier for certain spouses to stay in the U.S. and apply for a green card.
Here’s a closer look at the details of the Program.
- 1. Eligibility Requirements: To qualify for this Program, these specific spouses must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: They must have resided in the U.S. for a minimum of 10 years as of June 17, 2024.
- Marriage: They must have been legally married to the U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024.
- 2. Employment Authorization: The Program provides one time work authorization for up to three
- Three-Year Application Period: Once approved for the program, the spouse will have three years to apply for permanent residency.
- 3. Apply for Residency Without Leaving the U.S.: The Program eliminates the need for international travel during the green card application process, which can be both stressful, unpredictable and costly.
This Program will impact approximately 500,000 noncitizen spouses, supporting family unity and providing a more secure path to residency.
How Do These Changes Benefit You?
This program brings several advantages:
- Reduced Separation Stress: The new process allows noncitizen spouses to remain in the U.S. while their green card application is processed, preventing the stress and disruption of being separated from their families.
- Acknowledging Long-Term Residents: Many noncitizens who qualify under this new program have been living in the U.S. for a significant time. This new Program recognizes their long-term presence and contributions, offering a fairer path to residency.
- Economic Stability: The ability for the spouse to work helps maintain financial stability. This support is crucial for managing living expenses and maintaining a stable household.
- Strengthening Family Unity: By allowing these spouses to stay in the U.S., the Program emphasizes the importance of keeping families together and ensuring that they can remain united during the immigration process.
What Steps Should You Take?
To make the most of the new updates, consider the following steps:
- Verify Eligibility: Confirm that your spouse meets the new eligibility requirements. They must have lived in the U.S. for at least 10 years and they must be legally married to you. Our team will help verify that all other legal requirements are also met.
- Prepare Documentation: During the initial consultation with our team members, we will guide you on the necessary documents to gather, such as proof of marriage for spouses, evidence of residency, and birth certificates for children. Proper documentation is essential for a smooth application process.
- Consult an Immigration Lawyer: An immigration lawyer can provide advice on the new rules and help with the application process. At Alagiri Law, we ensure that your application is completed correctly and address any issues that may arise.
- Follow Application Guidelines: Adhere to USCIS’ instructions for submitting the application. Stay informed about any updates or additional requirements to avoid delays.
- Stay Informed: Keeping up with the latest news and developments in immigration policies is essential. Being aware of any changes or new opportunities can help you navigate the application process more effectively, ensuring you make informed decisions and avoid potential delays. This vigilance can lead to a smoother and more efficient path to keeping your family together.
Looking Ahead
This new program of President Biden marks an important step in supporting families like yours. By allowing these certain spouses to stay and work in the U.S. during the green card process, these changes offer crucial support and stability.
For you and your loved ones, these updates mean less stress and more security during the immigration journey. The new program aims to keep families united and provide a clearer path to permanent residency.
Learn more:
From One Home to Another: The Family-Based Immigrant Visa Journey Explained
Securing a Smooth Journey: Tips on Choosing the Right Marriage Visa Lawyer for IR1/CR1 and K-1 Visas
How Alagiri Law Can Help
If you have questions or need guidance regarding this Program, Alagiri Law is here to assist you. With over 15 years of experience navigating immigration policies, we ensure you can fully leverage these updates to enhance your family’s immigration journey.
We will help you understand and apply the new opportunities effectively, making the application process smoother and more efficient. With our team’s support, you can keep your family united and well-supported throughout, benefiting from a more compassionate and effective immigration system. Chat with us today to get started!
