Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Redfairen

(1,276 posts)
Wed Jan 2, 2013, 02:53 PM Jan 2013

White House eases path to residency for some illegal immigrants

Source: LA Times

The Obama administration eased the way Wednesday for illegal immigrants who are immediate relatives of American citizens to apply for permanent residency, a change that could affect as many as 1 million of the estimated 11 million immigrants unlawfully in the U.S.

A new rule issued by the Department of Homeland Security aims to reduce the time illegal immigrants are separated from their American families while seeking legal status, immigration officials said.

Beginning March 4, when the changes go into effect, illegal immigrants who can demonstrate that time apart from an American spouse, child or parent would create “extreme hardship,” can start the application process for a legal visa without leaving the U.S.

“The law is designed to avoid extreme hardship to U.S. citizens, which is precisely what this rule achieves,” said Alejandro Mayorkas, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, in a statement. “The change will have a significant impact on American families by greatly reducing the time family members are separated from those they rely upon,” he said.

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-obama-illegal-immigration-residency-20130102,0,181647.story

4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
White House eases path to residency for some illegal immigrants (Original Post) Redfairen Jan 2013 OP
This is not just an 'illegal' problem.. LittleGirl Jan 2013 #1
I feel your pain marctravis Jan 2013 #2
actually makes me very angry JCMach1 Jan 2013 #3
Thank you Emma Lazarus! marshall Jan 2013 #4

LittleGirl

(8,261 posts)
1. This is not just an 'illegal' problem..
Wed Jan 2, 2013, 02:59 PM
Jan 2013

this is a problem for immigrants that come here legally. As a spouse of a 'LEGAL' immigrant, the immigration system is expensive, time consuming and UNFAIR. Right after my spouse and I married (here in the states) we lived abroad and I was 'legal' immediately when I arrived. The way our system delays acceptance of a legal resident is unfair, excessively long and cost us over 2 grand in fees. My husband could not work until we had a green card and that process alone took 8 months. I could explain our whole immigration mess but I have too much to do today.

Happy New Year.

marctravis

(15 posts)
2. I feel your pain
Wed Jan 2, 2013, 03:38 PM
Jan 2013

I'm in a same-sex partnership and we don't even have a pathway thru marriage. We are hoping for passage of the UAFA or help from the Supreme Court. My partner is here legally thru H1B, but the labor cert process is cumbersome and scary and his employer's attitude makes that pathway unlikely.

JCMach1

(27,544 posts)
3. actually makes me very angry
Wed Jan 2, 2013, 07:42 PM
Jan 2013

Due to the simple fact I have been dealing with the overworked and incompetent USCIS. MY two year old baby is a US Citizen but my Fiance is Kenyan.
Let me tell you hardship. Having to keep then in Kenya while Homeland Security gives endless delays and security gets worse here.
The most recent delay cost two extra months and happened because they lost my passport pics AND got my address wrong in their system....
How about a break for citizens doing things LEGALLY overseas?????

I am facing having to go back to work in the States in a few weeks leaving them here alone during the run-up to the elections period. Some of you might remember the violence during the last election...

marshall

(6,661 posts)
4. Thank you Emma Lazarus!
Wed Jan 2, 2013, 10:11 PM
Jan 2013

"Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»White House eases path to...