Bring back 245(i): A Matter of Family Unity
Every reputable immigration lawyer in the United States should be up in arms that Congress has not brought back section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Section 245(i) sunset on April 30, 2001, even though it has proven to be an important provision of U.S. Immigration law in preserving the unity of the family.
Section 245(i) allows eligible aliens on the verge of getting their green cards (lawful permanent residence) through a petition filed by a qualified family member (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident), to get their cards in the United States without traveling abroad to their home countries. Those who apply under section 245(i) are screened by the government for any criminal history, health impediments and any other grounds of inadmissibility. They also have to pay a fine of $1,000.00 for entering illegally to the United States in addition to other processing fees.