The Legal Immigration and Family Equity Act (LIFE) has altered immigration regulations in the United States. These improvements make it simpler for families to stay together during the immigration process and allow certain people, who would otherwise be disqualified, to live and work in the United States. Here are some things to know.
Status Adjustments
The LIFE Act changed section of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to allow people already in the United States to petition for adjustment of status despite obstacles that would normally prevent them. In essence, the government offered to overlook immigration status regulations infractions in exchange for a $1,000 fine. Many people who entered the United States illegally, worked in the United States without authorization, or failed to maintain a continuous lawful status were able to have their infractions forgiven, allowing their immigration petitions to be processed.
V Visas
The LIFE Act also included the “V” category of nonimmigrant temporary visas, which permits families to remain together while their immigrant visas are being processed. Spouses, unmarried minor children, and stepchildren of lawful permanent residents are eligible for these visas. V visa holders would be shielded from deportation and would be able to work.
Visas K-3 and K-4
The LIFE Act also established the K-3 and K-4 visa categories for spouses of U.S. citizens and unmarried minor children. This is a nonimmigrant temporary visa that allows a spouse and children to stay in the nation while their Petition for Alien Relative is being processed by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The Bottom Line
Since its first enactment in 2000, the LIFE Act has been revised multiple times. Moreover, many of the terms of the Act apply only to applications that were already in progress at the time the law was passed or shortly afterward. However, others remain in effect indefinitely.
An experienced attorney can help you understand the ideas of this Act and how they can apply to your case. Reach out to immigration today at (818)900-5707 to learn more about your options.
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