Hi, my husband's father has a green card and is in process of applying for the rest of his family. Does this new law apply to him? Or does he's wife have to wait 6 years like we've been told? What about a 21 year old that is here in America w/o any papers can he apply for that son?

Dear Anonymous:

The US permanent resident father must file an I-130 visa petition for any qualifying family member on or before 4/30/01 for them to be grandfathered under the new law.

How long it takes to become a resident depends on their relationship to the father. If he becomes a US citizen, the process will probably move much faster. The new law has no bearing on the time it takes to become a resident. It only allows them to receive permanent residence in the US, rather than having to return to their home country.

If the 21 year old is unmarried, the father can file a petition for him also. Good luck.

Dear helper,

My grandfather (a US citizen) has filed a petition for my mother in F3 (married sons and daughters) category in November 1999. At that time my age was 16 years. The visa call is expected none earlier than 3 years. So, according to rule I won’t be able to go with my mother as my age will exceed 21 years.

I heard of “Child Status Protection Act” and checked it on some website (it was like thomas.loc.gov) and other sites but I could get no important information.

I want to know whether I will be able to go with them (according to this child act) irrespective of my age exceeding 21 years OR they will deny my visa.

Please tell me if u need any further information for giving solutions.

Thank you,

Kunal D Mistry