Now that illegals living in this country have 245i to help them how about someone getting on the side of those that choose to do the right thing and go through the proper channels i.e. legally. It's so distressing to know that we will be waiting even longer for visas for our families while these law breakers are rewarded. How about some justice for us.

dear dears hi,how would u xplain th word:-
( GRANDFATHERD)in legal term..
n plese do xplN wat deos it mean whn somone said :-yah ull be grandfatherd underthis law?ITS SO UNKNOWN TO ME OR TO MANAY PLESE REPLY BY MY TURN ,,THNX..

Dear Disheartened:

You make a point by saying that Congress should have included some relief for those who have been waiting for years for their immigrant visas.

However, if you have already filed a visa petition for your family members, all new applications in the same visa category will be behind yours, so the wait should not be any longer. As for those who will be filing in the future, they have a legitimate gripe. Best wishes.

Dear Mr-President:

The word "grandfathered" as used in regards to section 245(i) means essentially "locked in". So, in other words, anyone who has an immigrant visa petition or labor certification filed for them on or before 4/30/01, and is in the United States, has their right to apply for permanent residence in this country "locked in".

They will be able to file later by payment of a $1000 penalty fee, while those who do not have an immigrant visa petition or labor certification filed by the above date are not "locked in" and will have no right to file in this country. They will have to return home to get their residence. Best wishes.

hi, me again elito,
thanks again for your intelligent advice.
i have again another question..
iam under 245i and maintaining my m1 status.how about if i change to f1 can i do that, do i have to pay 1000 dollar penalty fee?
how about if my wife an m2 dependent will go for m1 does she have to pay penalty too?
thanks again!
elito.....

Dear Elito:

A person in the US on M-1 status may NOT change to F-1 status.

The $1000.00 penalty fee only applies if you or your wife go out of status. As long as you remain in a lawful status, you do not have to pay the fee. Good luck.

Hello, my question is about 245i. I was protected by 245i when I filed in 1997 through marriage to my then permanent resident wife, however things did not work out, and we divorced. I have since remarried someon who is a permanent resident also. Am I still protected, if I file through my new wife. Or the old 245i, would not apply, therefore, I need to get out of the country??????
Worried.