245(i) Amnesty Lawyer

Legal Help With 245(i) Amnesty Issues

Although there currently are no active immigration amnesty programs, the effects of 245(i) are still being felt today. The children of people who obtained a 245(i) amnesty may be eligible for an adjustment of status under certain “grandfathering” provisions.

About Section 245(i)

Section 245(i) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act temporarily provided an opportunity for undocumented foreign nationals (illegal aliens) to obtain permanent lawful resident (green card) status. This amnesty program went into effect in 1994 and was extended twice by Congress, ending on Jan. 14, 1998. The LIFE Act amnesty, passed in 2000, reinstated section 245(i) from January through April 2001.

The 245(i) amnesty programs allowed millions of people who had been living illegally in the U.S. to come out from the shadows and enjoy the full benefits of permanent legal residence. Many had been living, working, and paying Social Security, employment, income, and sales taxes in the U.S. for many years.

When the programs were active, two types of people could qualify for an adjustment of status under section 245(i):

• Those who entered the country illegally
• Those who entered legally, but stayed beyond the expiration date of their visas

Status adjustments were made based on family relationships and employment.

Even though it has been more than 10 years since the 245(i) program was active, it continues to affect the lives and immigration status of foreign nationals living in the U.S. today. Section 245(i) grandfathering permits spouses and children of 245(i) eligible person to apply under the provisions of 245(i) for permanent residence despite certain immigration violations.

The immigration attorneys of May Law Group see the practical effect of the amnesty programs in the lives of our clients. Many people have been left in complicated legal situations related to section 245(i). We are here to help untangle these complex problems and provide you with a knowledgeable assessment of how the law applies to your particular case.

For example, a client may say, “I came across the border with a coyote (guide) in 1999. My father’s employer filed a petition. It was approved, but it didn’t work out. Now I’m married to a U.S. citizen.”

Often individual cases involve the intersection of many immigration issues, which can be affected by country of origin, family relationships, employment, education, and one’s criminal record.

Contact a 245(i) Amnesty Lawyer

If your immigration issue involves 245(i) amnesty, please contact an immigration lawyer at our firm to arrange a free initial consultation. From offices in New York City, and Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, we represent clients from throughout the U.S. and around the world.