Are you  former U.S. military member?

Are you spouse, parent or child of U.S. military member?

To promote family unity and to recognize  the service and sacrifice of these honored men and women, U.S. immigration law provides certain key benefits to assist and streamline the immigration process for them and their families.

Permanent Residence for Family of U.S. Military and Family-Based Survivor Benefits

In general, military spouses and other qualified family members must go through the same immigration processes as everyone else. However, there are some benefits to family members of the U.S. military to allow them to adjust status quickly and without departing the United States in particualr family members  who may have inadmissibility factors such as unlawful presence.

Parole in Place for Spouses, Children and Parents of Veterans, Reserves and Military Members

Parole in place (or “PIP”) is a special program for non-citizen immediate family members of United States military (active personnel or veterans). It allows those family members who are in the United States unlawfully to apply for a US green card, without having to leave the country. Applying for a green card overseas is known as consular processing. This is a stressful, uncertain ordeal, because it leads to lengthy family separations with significant financial and emotional costs. If parole in place is granted, the immediately family member is eligible to apply for adjustment of status within the United States. If adjustment of status is granted, the immediate family member will be granted lawful permanent residency (green card).

Please note that other inadmissibility issues may apply and criminal history can be a bar to obtaining permanent residency therefore  qualified immigration attorney is needed to review your case and discuss if Parole in Place is the right option for you.

Immigration Benefits for Deceased Military Members

Non-U.S.-citizen spouses of U.S. citizen military members who died in connection to their military service might have access to special immigration benefits. Experienced immigration attorney can explain to such spouses what benefits they might qualify for and assist them with the process of pursuing such benefits.

One of the benefits that can be available to such spouses is that being the spouse of a U.S. citizen military member who died while on active duty could qualify them for U.S. citizenship. In addition,  the law allows for  “self-petition” for an immediate family member to file or continue on in the family-based immigration process. Family members must file their petitions within two years of the U.S. military relative’s death. Surviving members seeking immigration benefits are given special consideration in the processing of their application for permanent residence.

Expedited and Overseas Citizenship for Military Dependents

The U.S. government provides an opportunity for an expedited citizenship for those military members who are on active duty and deployed. Spouses may also qualify for naturalization overseas if they are living overseas due to a military’s spouse’s deployment.

Call today to discuss your case. Let us help you identify the benefits you may qualify for.