Number: RL31373
Title: Immigration: Adjustment to Permanent Resident Status Under Section 245(i)
Authors: Andorra Bruno, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: Bills have been introduced in the 108th Congress to extend (H.R. 85) or make permanent (H.R. 47) a controversial immigration provision known as 245(i). Section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) was first enacted as a temporary provision in 1994 and has been extended several times since then. It enables unauthorized aliens in the United States who are eligible for immigrant visas based on family relationships or job skills to become legal permanent residents (LPRs) without leaving the country, provided they pay an additional fee. Before an alien can apply to adjust to LPR status, the alien must have an approved immigrant visa petition and must have a visa number immediately available to him or her. Currently, to be eligible to adjust status under 245(i), an unauthorized alien must be the beneficiary of an immigrant petition or labor certification application filed by April 30, 2001. An unauthorized alien whose petition or application was not filed by April 30, 2001 must go overseas for a visa.
Pages: 9
Date: January 15, 2003