Military Immigrant Relatives to Stay in US

Federal immigration authorities will no longer deport non-criminal immigrant family members of former and active duty members of immigrants serving in the United States military.

According to a Department of Homeland Security memo released Friday, November 15, 2013, the Obama administration states that illegal immigrants who are relatives of United States active military and veterans will no longer be deported, and can apply to stay in the United States.

This new policy will apply to troops’ and veterans’ spouses, children and parents, who can now apply for parole status that will allow them to stay in the United States and suspend deportations.

The parole status is authorized in one-year increments and allows relatives to adjust for permanent legal status.

Parole of Spouses, Children and Parents of Armed Forces Personnel

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) states that veterans have earned the right to keep their relatives in the United States, and wants to assist military members, veterans, and their families to navigate our complex immigration system and apply for naturalization and other immigration services and benefits.

It is estimated that about five percent of the force, or more than 65,000 military immigrants, currently serve on active-duty. This new policy memo indicates that halting the deportation of immigrant family members would help to alleviate the “stress and anxiety” of these military personnel.

“Similarly, our veterans, who have served and sacrificed for our nation, can face stress and anxiety because of the immigration status of their family members in the United States.”

“We as a nation have made a commitment to our veterans, to support and care for them. It is a commitment that begins at enlistment, and continues as they become veterans.”

Orlando Immigration Lawyer

Brandt Immigration handles immigration and citizenship issues on a daily basis and if you are a spouse, child, or parent of armed forces personnel, or have questions regarding this new policy, we encourage you to contact the experienced Immigration Attorneys at Brandt Immigration today.