President Trump endorses the Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy Act, which would reduce the levels of legal immigrants (particularly, family-based immigrants) and dramatically change existing immigration policy. Therefore, U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders), where applicable, should consider taking action now to file petitions for family members who would lose eligibility for sponsorship if the RAISE Act is enacted.
Under the RAISE Act, only spouses and minor children would be eligible to be sponsored for permanent resident status, and the maximum age for sons and daughters would be "under 18" instead of the current "under 21." The following relatives, who are eligible for sponsorship under current law, would lose eligibility:
Relatives of U.S. citizens: Parents, unmarried sons and daughters age 18 and older, married sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters.
Relatives of Lawful Permanent Residents: Unmarried sons and daughters age 18 and older. (Married sons and daughters, and siblings of Lawful Permanent Residents are not currently eligible for sponsorship.)
Although it is uncertain whether the RAISE Act will become law, we recommend that U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents file their immigrant petitions now, just to be safe.
If you are interested in filing immigrant visa petitions to “grandfather” currently eligible family members, please contact us at familyvisa@constangy.com.
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