Earlier this month the Department of Defense (DoD) announced key changes to its policies regarding screening of Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) and qualifying service for the purposes of military naturalization. The DoD states that they made the changes after “lessons learned” from the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) Pilot Program—a program devised as a way for legal noncitizens to obtain expedited citizenship when they join the US military and provide critical and in-demand skills, including medical and language skills. After criticism of the security screening for MAVNI recruits, along with threats that the program would be discontinued, the DoD says that, while expedited US citizenship achieved through military service can be valuable, it is in the “national interest to ensure that all current and prospective service members complete security and suitability screening prior to naturalization.”
Read moreLesser Known Paths to Permanent Residency
“How do I get a Green Card” is one of the most common questions attorneys at our law firm receive. And while it may be a surprise to many that a Green Card (that is, permanent residency in the US) is not right for everyone nevertheless people are always keen on obtaining one, especially if they have spent a few years in the US. There are generally two paths to permanent residency—via employment or family. But those aren’t exactly the only ways, and we thought it would be interesting to explore several of the lesser-known paths to that coveted Green Card.
Read moreImmigration Impact: "USCIS to Offer Stay of Deportation to Certain Military Family Members"
Immigration Impact reports on the USCIS memo (in PDF here) regarding granting "parole in place" to non-citizen family members of current and former military personnel:
The memo indicates that the noncitizen family members may be afforded “parole in place.” “Parole in place” is a discretionary tool that allows a noncitizen who is in the United States without authorization to remain here, at least temporarily.
The memo notes that parole in place can be granted in 1-year increments absent "a criminal conviction or other serious adverse factors..."