The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new initiative aimed at promoting family unity during the immigration process, in line with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to keeping families together.

This initiative addresses the issue faced by individuals married to U.S. citizens who lack legal status in America and are required to leave the U.S. to apply for a Green Card, resulting in prolonged separations and significant hardships.

Starting June 17, 2024, DHS will implement a new process to evaluate Green Card applications from spouses who have been living in the U.S. for more than 10 years and pose no threat to public or national security. Eligible spouses will be able to apply for legal permanent residency without having to leave the U.S. Approximately 500,000 immigrant spouses and their 50,000 children, who have been residing in the U.S. for around 23 years, could benefit from this new initiative.

Highlights

• Current Law Issue: Individuals married to U.S. citizens and lacking legal status in America must leave the U.S. to apply for a Green Card.

• Objective: To ensure family unity in the immigration process.

• New Process: Individuals married to U.S. citizens without legal status can apply for a Green Card from within the U.S.

Conditions

• Must have been living in the U.S. for over 10 years as of June 17, 2024.

• Must be married to a U.S. citizen as of June 17, 2024.

• Must not pose a threat to public or national security.

Eligible Spouses and Children

• Approximately 500,000 spouses and 50,000 children.

Exclusions

• Individuals posing a threat to national or public security.