Urgent Warning for Green Card Applicants!
A new policy from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is sending shockwaves through immigrant communities. If you're seeking a green card through marriage or other family ties, be warned: you could now face deportation proceedings.
The USCIS guidance, effective immediately, states that a family-based petition “accords no immigration status nor does it bar removal.” This means that even if you've filed an I-130 petition (the first step toward obtaining residency through a family member), you're not protected from deportation.
Who is Affected?
This policy impacts immigrants without legal status who are applying for lawful permanent residency through a U.S. citizen spouse or other qualifying family member. Experts emphasize this change affects not only new applications but also those already in progress.
Elora Mukherjee, Director of the Immigrants’ Rights Clinic at Columbia Law School, highlights the breadth of the new policy. She notes that USCIS now has the power to initiate removal proceedings “at any point in the process.” Given the often-lengthy wait times for green cards, this creates significant uncertainty and anxiety for applicants.
What Does This Mean for You?
- Understand that filing a family-based petition doesn't guarantee protection from deportation.
- Consult with an experienced immigration attorney to assess your individual situation.
- Be prepared for potentially lengthy and complex legal proceedings.
The implications of this policy are far-reaching, potentially impacting hundreds of thousands of immigrants seeking to build their lives in the United States. Stay informed and seek legal counsel to navigate this challenging new landscape.
The Broader Context
This policy change comes amidst ongoing debates about immigration reform and enforcement. Critics argue that it creates unnecessary hardship for families and undermines the principles of family unity. Supporters maintain that it strengthens border security and ensures compliance with immigration laws.