It is an exciting time!  Tonight, President Obama announced his plan to provide protection against deportation (removal from the United States) for millions of people.  In 2012, our president provided protection to the Dreamers with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals); tonight he announced the creation of DAP (Deferred Action for Parents).  We all still need to see the fine print and we must await final guidance and implementation from U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services, but in general it appears that you will be eligible for DAP if you:
- Are a parent of a US citizen or the parent of a US permanent resident;
- Have been physically present in the US for 5 years;
- Are not a serious criminal; and
- Are willing to pay back taxes.

If you receive DAP, you will be allowed to remain in the US, temporarily, or until a comprehensive immigration law is passed providing a true pathway to permanent status.  Also, it is possible that after receiving DAP, you may obtain permission to leave the US and return on parole, possibly curing your inadmissiblity issues.  Inadmissibility issues are the reason why you were originally unable to obtain lawful status in the first place (such as entering the US without a visa, re-entering after being deported, overstaying your visa, criminal convictions, etc.).  Depending on your inadmissibility issue(s), if you receive DAP, you should speak with an experienced immigration lawyer to determine if there is a way for your child (or another relative) to sponsor you for your permanent resident status (green card). This is an actual possibility.  

Let's not get ahead of ourselves.  It will no doubt take months before all the major and minor details are finalized.  But nevertheless, now is the time to plan.  Call Spiller-Reddick Immigration Law on 540-300-2991 to discuss your immigration options. 

We received many DACA approvals and we look forward to assisting you or your family members with your DAP application.

It gives me great pleasure to obtain a positive outcome for my clients. That positive outcome may come in the form of an approval notice (i.e. the photo to the left), a grant of citizenship, or even helping my clients to obtain a driver's license via a carefully worded letter to the DMV explaining their eligibility for a license even though their application is still pending with USCIS. 

I enjoy what I do, and what I do is serve my clients.


If you are in need of assistance with an immigration matter please contact Spiller-Reddick Immigration Law to speak with an experienced immigration lawyer.  You may call 540-300-2991 or email [email protected].

Did you know that your family member can still be eligible for a Green Card even if they entered the U.S. illegally or overstayed their visa?  It is possible!  But the process is not simple and you should consult with a knowledgeable attorney before filing any immigration petitions or waivers for individuals who entered illegally or are no longer in valid immigration status.

Call 540-300-2991 to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney.

Spiller-Reddick Immigration Law can help you with all of your immigration needs. 

In October, immigrant visas were current for F2A (Spouses and Children of lawful permanent residents) from ALL countries.  For the first time, in a long time, the family immigration process was equal for both family members of lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders) and family members of US citizens.  

You see, immediate relatives of US citizens can apply for a Green Card immediately.  But usually, family members of Green Card holders will have to wait (sometimes 1,2, or even 10 years) before they are eligible to apply for their own Green Card.  

So, last month everything was equal, but sadly, we are sliding back into the way things were.  Now in November, if you have a Green Card and want to help your Spouse or Child apply for their own Green Card, you must have started the process back in September (i.e. filed the I-130, Alien Relative Petition, in September to apply for a Green Card in November).    

The process can be tricky.  Make sure that you talk to a good immigration attorney.  Spiller-Reddick Immigration Law is here to help you with all of your immigration needs.  Call today for an appointment: 540-300-2991.  You can also email:  [email protected]
#SRimmigrationLaw #SRIL #spillerreddickimmigrationLaw

An immediate relative is not always what you think it is.  For immigration purposes, an immediate relative is as follows:

Parent, Spouse, or Children (unmarried and under the age of 21) of a U.S. citizen. 

Immediate relatives are NOT the Parents, Spouses, or Children (any age) of lawful permanent residents.

Immediate relatives often find themselves in a better position when it comes to Green Card applications and possible inadmissiblity issues.  For example, it is unnecessary to check the Department of State Visa Bulletin to determine immigrant visa availability for immediate relatives; an immigrant visa is always available for immediate relatives.  And sticky situations like unauthorized employment and overstaying your visa are, by matter of practice, overlooked for relatives of U.S. citizens.  So, depending on the circumstances, it just may be better for a lawful permanent resident to wait until they become a naturalized U.S. citizen before filing for family members.

If you are a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen, and would like to start the family-based immigration process, contact Spiller-Reddick Immigration Law now to schedule an appointment (540-300-2991).