The Senate immigration bill S.744, presents the best opportunity in decades to effectuate a lasting solution.
While Senators are debating, and the reform moves forward, for many adult married children over age 31 of American Citizens, this period may be a window of opportunity that they should not miss.
In particular, S.744 eliminates the ability of U.S. citizens to petition for their adult married sons and daughters over the age of 31.
Currently, the possibility of obtaining American residency (Green Card) through a family based petition under the F-3 category – married sons and daughters of U.S. Citizens- is in full effect. However, this path presents a visa backlog of almost 11 years.
One of the goals of S.744 is to improve the family-sponsored immigration system by eliminating the current visa backlogs.
Thus, it is conceivable that if S.744 is enacted into law eliminating the ability of U.S. citizens to petition for their adult married sons and daughters over the age of 31 the currently existing category F-3 will be adjudicated faster than the present 11 years.
It is reasonable to expect that before implementing the changes of S.744 that modifies category F-3, all the pending cases will be adjudicated.
This means, that those sons and daughters of American citizens over age 31 who are married, or have marriage plans in the near future, have a unique opportunity to benefit from their parents immigrant petitions - under the existing F-3 category- before S.744 is enacted into law.
Similarly, those American Residents who have children over age 31, should consider
The possibility of becoming U.S. citizens if they meet all the qualifications, so that they could also take advantage of petitioning their children under the current F-3 category before S.744 is enacted.
Nobody knows for sure if S.744 will be enacted, and what will the law include after it makes its way through Congress. But, for those who have now the ability to petition for their family members, they should not loose the window of opportunity!
To discuss and receive legal counsel regarding your specific immigration situation, please call Schonberg & Timerman, P.L. at 954-843-3494