Reuniting Families Act: Faster Visas, New Rights for Partners and Refugees.
This act aims to streamline family reunification for immigrants in the U.S. by accelerating visa processes and broadening the definition of family. It introduces new avenues for permanent partners, protects children from "aging out" of immigration status, and increases the number of available visas, potentially shortening waiting times for many. Additionally, the act prioritizes refugee family reunification and provides work authorization for certain family members of nonimmigrant visa holders.
Key points
Family Reunification: Spouses and minor children of permanent residents will be treated as "immediate relatives," significantly speeding up their immigration process.
Permanent Partners: The status of "permanent partner" is introduced, granting unmarried, committed couples (including same-sex couples) similar immigration rights as married spouses.
Visa Backlogs: Unused visas from previous years will be "recaptured," and annual visa limits will increase, aiming to reduce waiting times for many applicants.
Child Protection: Children of fiancés/spouses and H-4 visa holders will be protected from "aging out" (turning 21) by fixing their age at the time of petition filing.
Refugee Support: The refugee family reunification process will be prioritized and expanded, allowing more family members to join refugees in the U.S.
Work Authorization: Spouses and children (over 16) of certain nonimmigrant visa holders (E, H, L, O) will be authorized to work in the U.S.
Introduced
Citizen Poll