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US Homeland Security Issues New Rule for Illegal Residents Seeking Permanent Visas

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today announced the posting of a final rule in the Federal Register that reduces the time U.S. citizens are separated from their immediate relatives (spouse, children and parents), who are in the process of obtaining visas to become lawful permanent residents of the United States under certain circumstances.

The ruling goes into effect on March 4, 2013, and allows certain immigrants here illegally to obtain a provisional unlawful presence waiver here in the United States, rather than having to return home to apply for the waiver.  That allows the applicants to stay with their American families as they await the outcome of the visa application process. The new rule still requires applicants to return to their native countries for an interview at a U.S. Consulate after a waiver is approved.

“This final rule facilitates the legal immigration process and reduces the amount of time that U.S. citizens are separated from their immediate relatives who are in the process of obtaining an immigrant visa,” said Secretary Napolitano.

Read details of the rule here

For more information visit US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

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