Immigration FAQs
What are the chances that a DACA-related bill will pass
this year in Congress?
There are numerous bills in Congress right now, and it
is hoped that one will be passed before the March 5, 2018
deadline. CNN has summarized the four ones to look out
for below:
• RAC Act (“Recognizing America's Children Act”)
Citizenship: Applicants would need to live in the U.S. for
five years as a conditional permanent resident, and then
five years as a green card holder in order to be eligible for
citizenship.
Travel: Under the bill, DACA recipients could travel
outside of the U.S. right away, something current DACA
doesn't allow.
Requirements: Applicants will have arrived in the U.S. at
16 years or younger and will have lived here since January 1,
2012; must either have a high school diploma or be enrolled
in school, have a valid work authorization, or enlist in
the military. All the bills require a background check.
• Bridge Act (“Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream
and Grow our Economy Act”)
Citizenship: The Bridge Act does not support a pathway
to citizenship. It is a three-year visa that must be renewed
by Congress.
Travel: No travel is allowed outside the U.S. during the
three-year visa period.
Requirements: Applicants will have entered the U.S.
before 16 years of age and will have lived here continuously
since June 15, 2007; must be enrolled in school or have a
high school degree or GED, or be honorably discharged from
the U.S. Armed Forces; must not have committed three or
more misdemeanors.
• Succeed Act (“Solution for Undocumented Children
through Careers, Education, Defending our nation Act”)
Citizenship: After 15 years, as a conditional permanent
resident (10 years) and a green card holder (five years),
DACA recipients would be able to apply for citizenship.
Travel: International travel is allowed under the bill.
Requirements: Applicants must have entered the U.S.
before the age of 16 and be younger than 31 on June 15,
2012, and must have lived continuously in the U.S. since
January 1, 2012; must have earned a high school diploma
or GED or be enrolled in higher education, or have served or
enlisted in the Army.
• Dream Act (“Development, Relief and Education for
Alien Minors Act”)
Citizenship: The Dream Act provides the fastest pathway.
After five years as a legal permanent resident, applicants
can apply for citizenship.
Requirements: Applicants must have entered the U.S.
before the age of 18 and have lived here for four years
prior to the bill's enactment. Unlike the other bills, there
is no date associated with the age requirement. A GED or
high school diploma or enrollment in a higher education
program is required.
APPLICATION FINAL ACTION DATES FOR January 2018
|
FAMILY |
India |
Pakistan/Bangladesh |
|
1st |
15Mar11 |
15Mar11 |
|
2A |
01Feb16 |
01Feb16 |
|
2B |
01Dec10 |
01Dec10 |
|
3rd |
08Oct05 |
08Oct05 |
|
4th |
15Dec03 |
22Jun04 |
|
EMPLOYMENT |
India |
Pakistan/Bangladesh |
|
1st |
Current |
Current |
|
2nd |
22Nov08 |
Current |
|
3rd |
01Nov06 |
Current |
|
Other |
01Nov06 |
Current |
|
4th |
Current |
Current |
|
5th |
Current |
Current1B |
DATES FOR FILING VISA APPLICATIONS - January 2018
|
FAMILY |
India |
Pakistan/Bangladesh |
|
1st |
01Jan12 |
01Jan12 |
|
2A |
01Nov16 |
01Nov16 |
|
2B |
01Sep11 |
01Sep11 |
|
3rd |
01Dec05 |
01Dec05 |
|
4th |
22Jun04 |
15Nov04 |
|
EMPLOYMENT |
India |
Pakistan/Bangladesh |
|
1st |
Current |
Current |
|
2nd |
08Feb09 |
Current |
|
3rd |
01Jan08 |
Current |
|
Other |
01Jan08 |
Current |
|
4th |
Current |
Current |
|
5th |
Current |
Current1B |
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