Stateless Protection Act: Legal Status and Green Card Path for Stateless Residents
This Act establishes a new protected status for individuals residing in the US who are not recognized as nationals by any country. It grants them immediate protection from deportation, authorization to work legally, and travel documents free of charge. Crucially, the law provides a pathway for these stateless individuals and their families to adjust their status to Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card), allowing for full integration and a normal life.
Key points
Creates "Stateless Protected Status" (SPS), offering protection from detention and removal from the US for individuals who lack nationality.
Stateless individuals gain the right to legal employment and travel documents, with no application fees for the status or related documents.
Allows for the adjustment of status to Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card) for eligible stateless persons and their spouses/children, with waivers available for certain inadmissibility grounds.
Mandates programs to study and prevent statelessness globally and within US law.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_3987
Sponsor: Sen. Cardin, Benjamin L. [D-MD]
Process start date: 2024-03-20