America has always been known as the land of dreams. For many immigrants, the United States represents a chance to build a better life and pursue opportunities not available in their home countries. Because of this, many people try to enter the country illegally. However, the country has policies that prevent illegal immigration and punish those caught crossing the border.
For immigrants who have already entered the United States, there is a way to gain legal status and become citizens or permanent residents. This process is called adjustment of status. It allows some non-citizens already in the country to change their immigration status from illegal immigrants to permanent residents or citizens.
Section 245(i) Adjustment Of Status
Section 245 Adjustment of Status is also called The American Dream Act. This law is a visa program that enables immigrants to obtain lawful permanent residence without leaving the United States and applying for an immigrant visa abroad. It allows eligible aliens already in the country to adjust their status under certain circumstances.
Eligible immigrants include those with valid family-based petitions or employment authorization documents but who have not yet obtained lawful permanent residence (a Green Card). At the same time, they remain in the country legally.
Who Qualifies For Section 245(i) Adjustment Of Status
To be eligible for adjustment of status under Section 245(i), the applicant must meet several requirements.
- The applicant must have been physically present in the United States on December 21, 2000.
- The applicant must be the principal beneficiary of an immigrant petition or application filed before April 30, 2001 (or if previously approved but not yet submitted to USCIS, and it must have been pending before that date.
- The applicant must have a valid family-based or employment-based petition or application.
- The applicant must not have any bars to adjustment such as being unlawfully present in the U.S. before the adjustment.
- The adjustment application should have been filed by December 21, 2000, or by April 30, 2001, if the adjustment application was not yet filed.
Applicants who meet all of these criteria are eligible for adjustment of status under Section 245(i). It is important to note that applicants may still be barred from adjustment even if they meet the above requirements. This includes those who have committed a crime or violated immigration law in some way. Applicants with questions about their eligibility should contact an experienced Austin immigration attorney before filing an adjustment application.
The key to adjustment of status through Section 245(i) is having a valid family-based or employment-based petition or application that was pending before April 30, 2001. Also, applicants must be present in the United States on December 21, 2000.
Those who meet these requirements and do not have any bars to adjustment may take advantage of this valuable legal service. In Austin, Texas, an experienced immigration attorney can help eligible applicants assess their eligibility for adjustment of status under Section 245(i) and determine the best course of action.
Let Lincoln-Goldfinch Law Represent You
The Lincoln-Goldfinch Law understands the importance of adjustment of status under Section 245(i) and is committed to helping eligible immigrants take advantage of this program. Their experienced Austin, Texas immigration attorneys are highly knowledgeable in the adjustment of status. They can help ensure accuracy and efficiency in the application process.
In addition, they are dedicated to providing personalized attention and quality legal services that make it easy for those who qualify to gain lawful residence in the United States. Contact them today for an initial case evaluation. Their team is standing by ready to assist you.